Re: What a drag (on technical writing)

[Jason Willebeek-LeMair <jlemair -at- ITEXCHSRV2 -dot- PHX -dot- MCD -dot- MOT -dot- COM>]

<snip>
Stupidity and complacency are a much larger drag on technical writing.
 People who refuse to learn subject matter and remain deeply committed
to tools out of some irrational spiritual bond are doing real damage.
People who say things like "I don't need to know how that works, I am
a writer," or "I have used X since I was 3 and it is the only tool
anyone should use."
</snip>

Don't forget those who wield their choice of (insert religious grammatical
or punctuation belief here -- take one or two spaces after a period as an
example) as some sort of ego-enhancing weapon.  "Hah.  You peon!  Still
using two spaces I see.  You are inherently evil, and your sin must be put
on display for all to see and mock.  Children will flee your shadow, old
people will spit upon your documents, and dogs will lift their legs on your
trousers.  I, on the other hand, am a god.  You should worship me for my
deft use of a single space after a period.  Oh, you unworthy one."

Kinda makes TWs look a little petty and insignificant if you ask me (but you
didn't).  Even worse if you bring this up outside the TW fold, "Hey Mike,
nice engineering spec., elegant technology solution, but I see you are still
using that way archaic practice of putting two spaces after a period.  Boy,
you are WAY dumber than I am." <strut> <strut> <strut>

Hmm.  Maybe we do need a union so that someone can make these choices for
us.  Oh, wait.  Isn't that part of what they are paying us to do...

Jason
Who, to be diplomatic, uses alternate single and double spaces after
periods.
<Not Really, so please, don't send me any expressions of incredulity>


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