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Re: Breaking into the tech writing job market

Subject: Re: Breaking into the tech writing job market
From: Al Geist <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>
To: TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2006 10:49:01 -0400

There is truth to what Damien writes...try as we might, there are occasions where we don't know all of the audiences for our material. This is especially true if you are writing consumer oriented stuff.

As for the comment that Mil. Spec. requires authors to write to a sixth grade level, the reason for this is more because of the writer's than the audience. Long ago, I wrote Mil. Specs. in an office populated by retired military personnel. Writing was not their passion and 20 years of the military taught them the power of adjectives to muddle the meaning, but sound important.

YET, it is important that our audiences understand us, especially if those audiences are involved in something that could harm them or others.

Damien Braniff wrote:

When I started many moons ago, I was told to treat you audience as
idiots unless you know different. If they are, then they'll get what
they want; if they're not, they me be a bit peeved but they'll skim and
get what they want.

The important thing here is 'unless you know different'.

--

Al Geist
Technical Writing, Online Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design, Award Winning Videos, Professional Photography
Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140

Cell: 802-578-3964
E-mail: al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com <mailto:al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>
URL: www.geistassociates.com <http://www.geistassociates.com> (online portfolio/resume)

See also:
URL: www.geistimages.com <http://www.geistimages.com> (fine art prints for home or office and note cards for all occasions)

"When the situation is absolutely hopeless, you have nothing to worry about."
Compliments of The Monkey Wrench Gang


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Re: Breaking into the tech writing job market: From: Damien Braniff

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