Technical Writing Books

[Floramaria Deter <fmc -at- NETCOM -dot- COM>]

I purchased _The Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications_
because of the great reviews the members of this list gave this book.  I
have found it very helpful and informative, but I am questioning how
*accurate* it is.  I have been working as a student assistant/technical
writer so I have been instructed on how to write a certain way.  For
example, I have been told to write "click on the button" but according to
the Manual of Style book, the correct way is to write "click the button."
There are many other rules that I've been breaking left and right.

How accurate is this book?  Should I take what the book says with a grain
of salt?  Does this book reflect the industry's standard?  Or are these
technical writing "rules" one company's opnion?

Thanks...Flora :)

PS-If this topic has been exhausted, could someone please email me personally?
----------------------------------------------------------
*      FLORA DETER...VISIT FLORA'S HIDEOUT!!!!           *
* Email: fmc -at- netcom -dot- com    http://www.deter.com/flora    *
* Motto: The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to *
* suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live.        *
*       - From Ayn Rand's _Atlas Shrugged_               *
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