How to Generate Localization Ready Technical Copy and Images in Pre-Production
Introduction Technical writers can help a localization project significantly by following a set of guidelines in the pre-production phase of localization – that is, when the source files are generated at the “home location.” What is Localization? Localization is the process of adapting a product to different languages and cultures. Localization can be done by…
Read MoreTechnical Writing – How to Avoid Unnecessary Granularity & Details
Where do we stop describing the details of a stepped procedure? How “granular” a procedural description needs to be? EXAMPLE 1: When we tell someone “by using an Allen wrench, tighten the screws A, B, and C” do we need to start with instructions to go get the wrench first? Go to your tool box.…
Read MoreWhat's the Difference Between Copy and Technical Writing?
© Ugur Akinci There are four different goals of writing, depending on the writer and the assignment in question. Writers try to 1) sell 2) teach 3) move emotionally, or 4) administer others. And these goals give rise to the following four types of writing: 1) Copy writing (sell) 2) Technical writing (teach) 3) Fiction/Creative…
Read MoreWhat is a Retronym?
Introduction Would you believe if I told you that you use one “retronym” after another whole day long? You probably wouldn’t because, as a life-time student of English, I also didn’t know for years what a “retronym” was. The reason I’m sharing this with you is my firm belief about the power of becoming fully…
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