RE: A newbie question relevant to recent discussions on the divide between engineers and writers

Subject: RE: A newbie question relevant to recent discussions on the divide between engineers and writers
From: "Monforton, Margie" <mmmonfor -at- bf -dot- umich -dot- edu>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 08:11:15 -0400


I totally agree with the other comments so far. Some less obvious issues
exist in:

"If either of you has time to meet with me to discuss the action items
listed in the A-380 document review form please let me know when and
what time."

I've found that "If" statements open up a can of worms, because they
assume that a) your SMEs may not have the time, and b) you will
understand if they don't. Readers may also infer a bit of sarcasm, which
causes problems.

In recent years, my approach has been to assume cooperation is a
foregone conclusion. I would say, "When you have some time...", or -
better yet - "I have some questions about X, and I'd like to schedule a
meeting with you both. I'll check your Outlook calendars..." This
compliments them by implying that you know they're helpful team players.
It also removes the option of weaseling out.

Margie Monforton
The University of Michigan
Administrative Information Svcs.


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