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Re: Pattern language for tech writing

Subject: Re: Pattern language for tech writing
From: "Jerry Muelver" <jerry -at- hytext -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 10:09:13 -0600


From: "Barry Campbell"
...


In recent years, the "pattern language" concept has been
enthusiastically picked up by software developers and theorists. See,
e.g., "Pattern Languages of Software Design," by James Coplien
(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201607344/)


And, more recently, Ian Graham's "A Pattern Language for Web Usability" (ISBN 0-201-78888-8)
which seems to map out the foundations quite well. Web site usability and tech doc usability are almost exact overlays. That's what got me thinking about a pattern language for tech writing.

Jerry, I am not aware of any ongoing project to document patterns in,
or develop a pattern language for, technical writing.

As a huge fan and obsessive reader of Christopher Alexander's work,
and as someone who has been a tech writer for a ridiculously long
time, if you'd like to start such a project, count me in. Would love
to help.


Well, I've only been in this business since 1966, but I think I've accumulated some useful tools and process patterns in that time. I'm thinking that a wiki-based collaboration might produce something of value.

---- Jerry Muelver
"Writing is easy. It's figuring out WHAT to write that causes all the sweat."

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Follow-Ups:

References:
RE: What Are Writing Skills?: From: Tony Markos
Re: What Are Writing Skills?: From: Dick Margulis
Re: What Are Writing Skills?: From: Al Geist
Pattern language for tech writing: From: Jerry Muelver
Re: Pattern language for tech writing: From: Barry Campbell

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