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.
The impication of your third point is that jargon is acceptable if it
is used on a broad basis, or understood on a broad basis. If your definition
of jargon includes recognized process or equipment names, then I agree, but
I think your definition of jargon is too broad.
Jargon, IMHO, is terminology that is ideomatic and is not understood
throughout an entire industry or technology. While a term may be in 'broad
use' throughout an industry in a specific location, if it is not in general
use throughout an industry in all locations it is jargon - it is the same
thing as a local patois or slang.
If a term is used throughout an entire industry or technology and means
the same thing at all locations, then the term can be properly used in a
technical publication - if it isn't, then it is jargon.
I agree whole-heartedly with your first two points. However, I think
your third point is indicative of the basis for this thread - we're lacking
a definition of 'jargon'.
