TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Reviews and red pens: an informal poll From:Sarah Mahoney <smahoney -at- U -dot- WASHINGTON -dot- EDU> Date:Mon, 20 Sep 1993 10:58:51 -0700
I agree with you, Faith. I like any color that stands out,
so I don't miss any comments. My #1 preference is red ink.
Regarding the psychological aspects, my reviewers are and have always
been constructive, (not condescending), and that may be the
reason red doesn't bother me. I'm also pretty lucky in that I
always feel I can discuss changes requested. I don't always
get my way, but I usually get to put in my two cents!
-Sarah Mahoney
-Technical Communicator
-Univ. of Washington, Seattle
On Mon, 20 Sep 1993, Faith Weber wrote:
> Re: Jane Torpie's comment about feeling demoralized by reviewers who
> use red pen: I'm curious to know how many people are bothered by
> this. I've heard the same comment from other people, and it's
> surprised me because I personally like reviewers to comment in red,
> blue, or anything else that stands out. I do get reviews marked up
> with pencil or black pen, and those I'm not crazy about -- I have
> to highlight the comments to make sure I don't miss any.
> I know there are some reviewers out there, former English teachers
> or not, who make their comments in a demoralizing tone. Does anyone
> want to venture an estimate re: what percentage of people associate
> that with markups in red pen? (Out of context it sounds silly, but
> as I said, I've encountered this sentiment more than once.) How do
> you folks feel about it?
> I sometimes use red to point out changes, ask questions, etc. in
> documents out for review, and I'm wondering if I should stop!
> It's hard enough to avoid the "evil English teacher/editor/person
> who corrects me" stereotype as it is.
> Faith
> P.S. The majority of my English/writing teachers made very helpful
> comments that improved my writing; maybe that's why it doesn't bother
> me. I hope this doesn't mean that a lot of English teachers behave
> condescendingly towards their students. If so, it's no wonder so many
> people seem to hate writing!
