TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I think the discussion on different terms is important for us as
techwhirlers. It shows that it can be downright dangerous to assume that
American English, UK English, Australian English etc are the same. If I
have the potential to cause a life threatening situation because I use a
term that the audience doesn't know, I am not doing my job well. I think
it is a very common misconception that all English is the same. A fume
hood or whatever has the potential to be life threatening, it does matter
how you refer to it.
Colleen Dancer
dancer -dot- colleen -at- a2 -dot- abc -dot- net -dot- au
