Finds that detection of flaws in a list provides an opportunity to widen perspective on list content, and further opportunity exists when list headings have two meanings. Argues that the list may be represented better by a two-dimensional array. Considers the term "function" used in a list heading, splitting it into its most common…

Argues that technical communication editing is most effective if it deals with structure first, and that structure deficiencies can be detected by applying a range of logical analysis criteria to each text part. Concludes that lists, headings, classifications, and organograms must comply with the laws of categorization and relevant logical…

Focuses on how typography and color complement and differ from each other in signaling an underlying content structure; the synergism between typography, color, and page layout (use of white space) that aids audience understanding and use; and the characteristics of typography and of color that are most important in these contexts. (SR)

Explores the relation of word and image on the level of both theory and practice in Edward Tufte's "The Visual Display of Quantitative Information." Establishes two dissonant strands in Tufte's work, a positivist strand and a postmodernist strand. (RS)

Weighs the costs and benefits of various strategies for converting existing, formatted text into Standard General Markup Language tagged files for all types of source materials. Illustrates the challenge of converting the implicit structure of tables and other common document features. Gives tips for creating a conversion plan. (SR)

Shows how students majoring in technical writing can use the professional vocabularies of their own disciplines (engineering, business, and computer science) to explain literature and gain fresh insights into how writers write. (SR)

Points out that desktop publishing is a metatechnology that allows professional writing students access to the production phase of publishing, giving students hands-on practice in preparing text for printing and in learning how that preparation affects the visual meaning of documents. (SR)

Assesses the role of technical communicators in electronic data interchange (EDI). Argues that, as experts in information design, human factors, instructional theory, and professional writing, technical communicators should be advocates of standard documentation protocols and should rethink the traditional concepts of "document" to…

Presents and explains a model for an executive summary which presents correct written information to a business decision maker in an appropriate, readable, useful form. (SR)

Argues that the rhetoric of text design is shaped by contextual variables, such as the purpose of the communication, the proximity of visual cues within the document, and the reader's familiarity with visual conventions. Concludes that technical communicators need to consider these factors as they begin using the wide range of visual elements…

Discussion of automatic abstracting of technical papers focuses on a knowledge-based method that uses two sets of rules. Topics discussed include anaphora; text structure and discourse; abstracting techniques, including the keyword method and the indicator phrase method; and tools for text skimming. (27 references) (LRW)

Reports on an imaginary exercise in which five Standard General Markup Language developers created five different document type definitions for the literary magazine "The New Yorker." Illustrates the richness and complexity of document type definition development. (SR)

Reports that although a rhetoric of visible text based on page layout and various design features has been defined, what a writer should know about design is rarely covered. Describes and demonstrates a scope and sequence of learning that encourages writers to develop skills as text designers. Introduces helpful literature that displays visually…

One of the more difficult elements to teach well in the introductory technical writing classroom is rhetorical form. Although textbooks have gotten much better than in the past at teaching this element, some still imply that structure is a matter of filling up a set form with content. One way to help students avoid this difficulty is to introduce…

Outlines two rhetorical principles for producing iconic-mosaic texts--the principle of complementarity and the principle of compensation. Shows how these principles can be applied to practical problems in coordinating the writing and design processes in student projects. (RS)