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.
DocuMania wrote:
>
> Hi, I'm new to this list and would like to know if anyone recommends the
> recently mentioned Microsoft _Manual of Style for Technical Publications_
> as a good resource to add to my library. I recall hearing somewhere else
> that it suffers from inconsistency and/or inaccuracy and may not be worth
> getting. Opinions?
I cannot speak from experience, but perhaps the comment about inconsistency is
accurate, at least as it concerns Microsoft's documentation as a whole.
I think the post you refer to is the response to my question about "filename"
(one word or two?), which referenced this manual to support the use of two words
("file name"). Every other Microsoft publication I've seen uses the compound
version, and another response sent directly to me quoted the Microsoft Press
Computer Dictionary, which has it as one word.
If this is what the Microsoft style guide says, you have to wonder why
Microsoft's writers aren't using it! ;)
--
Sean Cleary
Sr. Documentation Specialist
clearys -at- hsn -dot- net
TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html
