Reports on an informal survey of writers from various contexts (including a textbook author, a novelist, and a cookbook author), describing their ideal writing environments. Discusses how computer technology can address some of the needs expressed by these writers. (MM)

Suggests that students should consider five parts of the social environment for any writing/reading situation, especially considering social relationships forged there between writers and readers. Describes these five aspects, and argues that activities using computer technology and writing should focus students primarily on the social nature of…