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.
Subject:What's a 'White Paper'? From:Barry House <bhouse -at- CREATIVE-HOUSE -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 2 Feb 1998 09:58:11 -0600
I have to admit some embarrassment about asking this question, but I need
to know.
I'm answering an ad for a writer who can basically write anything up to and
including a new gospel. One of the document types the ad mentions is a
white paper.
Since I've been writing since we were all using chisels on stone tablets, I
THINK I know what someone means when they talk about a white paper--it's a
document that spells out a company's position on some issue in the industry
with any research the company or a third party has done to back up that
position. White paper format is usually similar to a college reserach paper.
My question, then: Am I correct, or am I way off in left field?
Feel free to answer off list if you prefer.
Thanks in advance for any and all help!
Barry House
The Creative House--Helping Businesses Communicate
P.O. Box 523
Pittsfield, IL 62363
217-285-2900
217-285-2950 Fax http://www.creative-house.com