Re: Academic Writing Style -- why?

Subject: Re: Academic Writing Style -- why?
From: Jill Burgchardt <jburgcha -at- PESTILENCE -dot- ITC -dot- NRCS -dot- USDA -dot- GOV>
Date: Fri, 30 Jan 1998 12:46:25 -0700

Professional groups, whether they are scientists, engineers or
academics, often have established journals with entrenched
writing styles. They originated when everyone used more formal
language. In some cases, a formal style was undoubtedly necessary
to establish credibility. Why haven't they changed? My theory is
that they have a select audience and less demand to update styles
in response to general market trends. Generally, competition from
Microsoft isn't pushing these groups to be early adapters of new
ideas, including writing styles and fancy layouts.

Additionally, many journals have short-term editorial boards.
Members may serve on the boards as a result of elections in their
professional organizations. They often review articles in
addition to demanding regular jobs. They may not have the time,
energy, or political clout within their organizations to push for
sweeping changes. And those who hope to get published in such
journals write for the status quo. Jobs often depend on getting
published. People don't get credit for folders filled with
rejection letters.

We have to tailor our documents to our SMEs, our audiences, and
our deadlines. We aren't always pleased with the result. I
document software. For the most part, I regard most of my peers
doing similar work as professionals trying hard to produce high
quality work within the constraints of their particular work
situations. Most of the academics I know are *also* hardworking
professionals attempting to produce the best work they can within
the constraints *they* have to deal with.

I've read many clear, well-crafted, even elegant, articles in
professional and academic journals. It can be done, even within
difficult constraints. I have a lot of professional respect for
those colleagues--academic or otherwise--who rise above the
constraints of any writing job.

Jill Burgchardt
jburgcha -at- pestilence -dot- itc -dot- nrcs -dot- usda -dot- gov




Previous by Author: Re: TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY
Next by Author: UNSUBSCRIBE
Previous by Thread: Re: Academic Writing Style -- why?
Next by Thread: Re: Academic Writing Style -- why?


What this post helpful? Share it with friends and colleagues:


Sponsored Ads