Technical Writing
Feature Phone vs. Smartphone: the Challenge of Phone Terminology for Technical Writers
Fast changing state of phone terminology is a challenge for all technical communicators. Did you also notice that we’re not using the word “telephone” anymore? And of course I’m not even mentioning that other tele-word that has disappeared from our universe with the invention of email: telegram. But what about “phones”? And “mobile devices”? Or…
Read More4 Book Components to Disappear from Technical Documents in the Long Run
Here are four book components that I think we won’t come across too frequently in the future when we read a single-sourced technical document: 1) Headers and Footers 2) Chapters 3) Page Numbers 4) TOC Headers and footers have been inseparable components of the traditional book metaphor, the “codex” as it’s also known, for over…
Read MoreTechnical Writing Online Course
We are proud to offer our beginner-level technical communication online course: Professional Technical Writing: Advance Your Writing Skills This is a practical hands-on introduction to technical writing for all beginner writers or those who are considering to make a career change and becoming technical writers. Comes with 30-Days 100% Money Back Guarantee! “Why should I…
Read MoreHow to Ensure High Quality in Technical Writing
“Can you tell us more about quality in technical writing?” a reader asked yesterday, in a private email. Here are my thoughts on the topic: 1) Quality starts with intra-team cohesion if you are working as a part of a technical writing team. If you’re a lone writer, this means you should either have your own…
Read MoreTechnical Book Review: THE STATE OF STRUCTURED AUTHORING by Alan S. Pringle and Sarah S. O’Keefe
“Structured authoring” and “single sourcing” have been hot buzz phrases for quite a few years now. If you’re a technical writer, I’m sure you’re either applying these documentation methods in your daily work, getting ready to implement them, or learning about them. I personally am in the last two categories, both still learning ins and…
Read MoreEasyBIB Automatic Bibliography Tool and Citation Maker
EasyBIB is a great online automatic bibliography tool that comes in both free and paid versions. It is versatile, comprehensive, and comes with productivity features that I’m sure all students, scholars, and writers would appreciate. The tool is easy-to-use and free to use for all, which makes it an excellent choice for students who need…
Read MoreFacts and Emotions in Technical Writing and Presentations
Balance the facts and emotions properly to get your point across more easily. Technical documentation readers are usually a “voluntarily captive audience.” They choose to read a user manual by their own determination. When we get to a piece of technical documentation we are usually ready and willing to believe in the author and follow…
Read MorePlain Writing Online Course
(Copyright-free photo by Nick Morrison at Unsplash dot com) © Ugur Akinci Plain Writing is not only a good idea but it’s now the law of the land in the United States since October 13, 2010. See: http://abcnews.go.com/WN/obama-signs-law-understand/story?id=11902841 http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-946 Very soon all U.S. Government departments and agencies will have to produce all their documents in…
Read MoreHow to Control Widow and Orphan Lines in Your Technical Document
You should avoid widow and orphan lines in your technical documents. A WIDOW line is one that ends up all alone at the top of the page. An ORPHAN line is the opposite: it’s that single line that sits at the bottom of the page. Both look weak (especially an orphan HEADER) and should be…
Read MoreHunting for a Technical Writing Job: Forget the Titles; Focus on Your Content
© Ugur Akinci I’m frequently asked this question: “”What kind of job titles I should search for to get a job as a junior (or senior) technical writer?” To such inquiries, my honest and simple response is always the same: “Forget about the titles; focus instead on what you know and what you can…
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