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Everyone complains about the blinking 12:00 on their VCRs, so that might be
a place to start--explain how to reset the time. You could also look at the
instruction manuals for any houeshold appliance you regulary use and see
what needs to be done.
It's best to create samples based on systems or processes you know about. If
there is a public library or school near you that has computers for public
use, you might offer to write some quick start guides on common topics like
connecting to the internet, using a word processor, etc.
A lot of technical writing involes design and presentation of the
information, as well as writing text. Come up with a better way to present
some piece of technical information so that it is easier to use.
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Michael Collier Phone: 512-835-3408
Information Systems Laboratory FAX: 512-490-4254
ARL Office: AX207
University of Texas at Austin email: mcollier -at- arlut -dot- utexas -dot- edu
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> Subject: Creating Samples
>
>
> I'm new to tech writing and need more samples for my portfolio. Does
> anyone know where I can find some poorly written, short user manuals I
> can re-write and use for writing samples?
>
> Any response appreciated.
>
> Melanie Shook