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Subject:Re: Creativity or Humor From:Barry House <bhouse -at- CREATIVE-HOUSE -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 26 Mar 1997 20:07:50 -0600
This whole discussion of creativity within technical writing, and especially
the touchy subject of humor in technical writing, is fascinating to me. I
agree with those who stress that the needs of the audience you're writing
for dictate the style you use. A novice and possibly timid audience can use
a little humor to ease their fear; a more seasoned audience usually wants
just the facts.
Nearly a decade ago, I was working on a manual that included a glossary of
terms. The programming staff insisted on the following definition for
"infinite loop": See Infinite Loop.
I really don't remember the reaction of management during the review of that
one.
Barry House
The Creative House--Helping Businesses Communicate
301 Oak St.
Quincy, IL 62301
217-222-9800
217-222-9844 Fax http://www.creative-house.com
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