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.
In article <4a3f7m$d5p -at- newsbf02 -dot- news -dot- aol -dot- com> russbe -at- aol -dot- com (RussBe) writes:
>From: russbe -at- aol -dot- com (RussBe)
>Ever notice how "rules" have tenure as refuges for pedants?
I believe that ine develops an "ear" for fluency of expression, which he or
she may not be able to rationalize logically, somewhata s one can detect a
counterfeit bill without being able to point to the specific items that mark
the bill as not genuine. It lies in having a mental image of the genuine
article, and being able to make the comparison mentally: The counterfeit
simply does not measure up.
I have that same reaction to awkward expression. I will have to study it a
while to rationalize the problem in terms of grammatical faults (who
remembers all the rules?), but I will know, nevertheless, that it is bad
writing.
The ear for fluency is the most reliable indicator I know,
and--unfortunately--not all the editors I work with in connection with my
books have that ear. - Herm
Herman Holtz [holtz -at- paltech -dot- com], marketing consultant & copywriter.
Publisher how-to reports on freelance writing, other business
skills. Email request for free report and information on custom
services available to help you to your own entrepreneurial success.
