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Subject:Re: What Makes A Good Tech Writer From:"Kim L. Shaw" <103205 -dot- 402 -at- COMPUSERVE -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 30 Aug 1996 11:05:25 EDT
Henry Crews wonders what makes a good technical writer -- a knowledge of the
mechanics of language vs. ability to communicate in a simple, understandable
way. The purpose of grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, etc. is ensure
clarity!
I don't think you can separate saying what you mean from saying it correctly.
Violating a "long-standing rule of grammar" just might mean you DON'T get your
point across.
What else makes a good technical writer? Curiosity, creativity, a sense of
humor, and a sense of mission would top my list of qualifications (after
memorizing the Chicago Manual of Style, naturally). : ))
BTW, some of us ARE a little self-righteous at times, but what the heck? As a
group, technical writers are the least righteous writers around. If you can't
have fun...
Kim Shaw
Words & Graphics
Houston
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