Why do British Tech Writers pontificate

[Writer]

Or they might find it a refreshing change. =D

Writing in British and authoring in Word...sounds like hell to me.

Nadine

John Sgammato wrote:
> If the manual is for a British audience, I'd be careful about changing the tone too much - you may offend someone with your abruptness!
> Fortunately we have some authentic British writers on this list who may be able to say if such language is considered normal for that audience. 
> I'd love to know, because my docs are read by British customers...
> john
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com on behalf of Flato, Gillian
> Sent: Thu 8/27/2009 11:09 PM
> To: framers at frameusers.com
> Subject: Why do British Tech Writers pontificate
>
>
>
> We are going through the grueling task of editing some manuals written
> by British Tech writers. It's quite painful. Why, oh why, do British
> Tech Writers pontificate so much? Do they know the definition of the
> word concise? Do they just like to hear themselves talk?
>
>
>
> Additionally, are they paid by the freakin' word? I have never seen such
> excessive use of as many words as possible. It's ridiculous. Didn't
> anyone ever tell them that when you translate a manual you actually do
> pay by the word so being concise is actually important!
>
>
>
> Part of that old British politeness comes through. They are so scared of
> offending anyone that they are afraid of giving an imperative in a
> manual. It's full of, "if you wish" "if you would like" "if you would be
> so kind as to" "if it's not to much trouble than" Give me a freakin'
> break. Tell the User what to do to accomplish the task and stop
> pontificating. It's not about you!
>
>
>
> <Thanks for letting me rant. I am tired of this manual. It's due
> tomorrow and I am behind schedule.>
>
>
>
> Thank you,
>
>
>
>
>
> Gillian Flato
>
> Technical Writer (Software)
>
> nanometrics
>
> 1550 Buckeye Dr.
>
> Milpitas, CA. 95035
>
> *408.545.6316
>
> 7  408.232.5911
>
> * gflato at nanometrics.com <mailto:gflato at nanometrics.com>
>
>
>
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