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:Re: Use of the First Person From:Bruce Byfield <bbyfield -at- AXIONET -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 5 Feb 1998 21:49:11 -0500
Stuart Burnfield <slb -at- FS -dot- COM -dot- AU> wrote:
I *can* read dull, long-winded writing, but it's not an efficient path
to understanding. I *can* run uphill in skis, but it's not an efficient
means of transportation.
I find it interesting that, despite these standards, science writers
like Stephen Jay Gould (who prides himself - rightly - on clarity of
expression) are celebrities both in and out of academia. Of course,
Gould is prominent in his field (evolution theory), but I doubt he would
have the same acclaimif he was a dull writer.
Too bad tech-writers can't hope for the same acclaim for clarity :-)
--
Bruce Byfield, Outlaw Communications
(bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com) (604) 421-7189 or 687-2133 X. 269
www.outlawcommunications.com (updated 02 Feb 1998)
"Good or bad, give me credit for what I have done. I would rather go
honestly to Hell, admitting that I leaped knowingly into error and
folly, than enter into the sweetest Heaven men can dream of by whining
that I had been pushed."
--Steven Brust and Emma Bull, "Freedom and Necessity"