Establishes a practical model of the document-development process for writers in nonacademic settings. Pulls together and builds from recent research about writers and writing in the workplace. Reveals the process to contain both linear and recursive elements. Asserts that writers must be involved early in the process. (SR)

Describes the importance of metaphors in technical writing. Presents an explanation of metaphor from G. Lakoff and M. Johnson's "Metaphors We Live By." (SR)

Explores how the eminent scientist George Washington Carver applied his "voice" to technical documents that needed to be persuasive and readable. (SR)

Presents a 10-step procedure for selecting the computer software needed to author and deliver online documentation. (SR)

Offers a model of the elements and disciplines that contribute to the field of technical communication, and develops from the model a framework for a taxonomy that recognizes differing names for parallel processes. (SR)

Discusses four levels of awareness (from simple letter substitution to cross-cultural transfer of technology) in how product developers view producing national language versions of their products. (SR)

Analyzes the document review process in organizations as described in the literature and describes 1 real-life case at the General Accounting Office in which 20 drafts are written and 9 people review them a total of 31 times. Discusses additional research needed to prepare students for this process. (SR)

Asserts that research in technical communication must grow in quantity, quality, and coherence. Assesses the research reports in the proceedings of the annual conferences of the Society for Technical Communication for the last 20 years. Suggests a model for future growth. (SR)