Re: Terminology and you

[Robert Whitehead <rcwhiteh -at- MEDRCW -dot- B17B -dot- INGR -dot- COM>]

In the words of Len Olszewski:

> Do the terms that your engineers or developers use to describe
> phenomena, components, products or processes seem to be
> proliferating at your job at an increasing rate?

In my case, probably not as badly as in other departments.  I
develop documentation for surface and subsurface geology software;
most of odd terms I encounter are scientific.  Since scientific
terms have standard definitions, they are seldom a problem.

Regarding non-standard terms, it's not as bad as it might be:  I
usually can spot odd (non-geological) terms and get the developer to
explain what he means.  If the new term is too close to an
established term, I set the definition; if it is not too close, we
agree on a definition or explanation, then submit it to our senior
editor (who also teaches college-level composition) for approval.
If he approves it, we have a new term.

We are lucky that Development and Documentation work closely
together over long periods; our relationship is good, and there is
lots of feedback.  Consensus, however, largely depends on my doing a
lot of legwork.

But that's the way it should be, n'est-ce pas?  The writer taking
charge; ensuring the intergrity of the document; being a proactive
and contributing member of the development team.
                                       o
God, I love my job (except redlines)! [B-) <-- smiley at the range
                                       o
--
 \\=============================================================\\
  \\ Robert C. Whitehead       \\ Intergraph Corporation         \\
   \\ Technical Communicator    \\ Mailstop IW17B2                \\
    \\ Mapping Sciences Division \\ Huntsville, Alabama 35894-0001 \\
     \\ Phone: (205) 730-1923     \\ FAX: (205) 730-6750            \\
      \\============ Mailpath: rcwhiteh -at- ingr -dot- com ====================\\
                      Standard disclaimers apply