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Subject:Re: White Paper Standards? From:Andres Heuberger <andresh -at- FXTRANS -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 19 Jan 1999 18:01:53 -0500
Anne,
At 03:32 PM 1/19/99 -0600, you wrote:
>What, exactly, is a white paper? That is, how are the contents and
>format different from some other document? (I'm thinking specifically
>of the computer hardware and software world.)
In my experience a "white paper" is whatever you want it to be. Some people
refer to them as "position papers" while others (incorrectly) call them
"frequently asked questions". Essentially, they are all used to express
your company's opinion on a particular subject matter. By doing so, you
position yourself as knowledgeable in that particular area, giving
potential customers confidence that you can address their problems. Hence,
white papers are often used for marketing purposes.
>I've been asked to provide a template for white papers, in addition to
>writing one or two in rapid succession, and I'd love some leads on
>current standards for white papers. Examples would be even better!
Look at some examples from the makers of RoboHelp, Blue Sky Software. In my
experience they are very good at publishing and marketing white papers. At
ForeignExchange Translations, we have a number of freely downloadable white
papers at http://www.fxtrans.com/faq.htm. Most software companies will have
examples on their web pages.
Before writing a white paper, make sure you understand how it will be used.
Will it bound or emailed as text? Will it act as a fullfillment piece in
advertisements or will it be handed out at trade shows? Depending on its
use, different formats, amounts of graphics/colors, length, etc. will be
appropriate.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Andres
----------------------------------
Andres Heuberger
ForeignExchange Translations, Inc.
Multilingual Compliance Management
888.454.0787 http://www.fxtrans.com
