Monitors several measures of progress toward a breakthrough improvement in computer manuals. Reports observations from a benchmark study of the state of the art in computer manuals, both paper and online. Suggests additional areas for improvement. (RS)

Describes a process (AIR: Achievement, Improvement, Reflection) that helps students organize their portfolios and see their own achievement and improvement. (SR)

Describes 3 assignments for introductory-level business writing students (who have already learned the fundamentals of document design) that present design challenges in a sales letter, a resume, and a memo report and instructions, to be introduced in class over a period of 8 to 10 weeks. (SR)

Relates evidence from a writing-across-the-curriculum program which repeatedly shows the writing conference to be a critical vehicle for communicating with students, serving not only to instruct students in writing but to further their thinking. (SR)

After examining the related research, it is difficult to conclude with certainty that the use of word processors is always effective in improving writers' revising skills or that their use necessarily leads to the production of higher quality texts. Their effectiveness depends on other factors that psychologists are starting to measure. (110…

Discusses the architectonics of four essays: John McPhee's "Travels in Georgia," Richard Rhodes'"Death All Day," and two by student writers. Diagrams each essay, showing how these writers built bridges of words over experiences. (SR)

Improvement of writing in the workplace involves both writers and their managers in a systematic process: (1) prepackaging the assignment; (2) delegating; (3) clarifying and focusing the assignment; (4) promoting efficient writing techniques; (5) efficient editing and/or peer reviewing; and (6) reviewing the final document. (SK)

Suggests that editors looking for work can approach companies with some unsolicited editing of the company's own annual report. Suggest what to look for when editing an annual report. (SR)

Shares practical information that technical writers can use when writing scripts for video presentations. Discusses the kinds of information needed for script writing, the steps involved in doing so, and the script's role in production and editing. (SR)

Argues that the best approach for technical editors is to abandon the language cops' billy club, listen to what the authors want to say, and give those authors friendly expertise, without rigid prescription or blanket condemnation. (SR)

Compares the grammatical structure of original press releases with the resultant placements in daily newspapers. Finds that, in their use of press releases, journalists almost always have to make them simpler, shorter, easier to read, and less passive. (SR)

Argues that guidelines are required if a team of technical writers is to create consistent, usable online information. Examines research on screen design, schemata, and readers' styles. Concludes that online help information should be easy to access, structured with different levels, specific to the situation, consistent, and concise and easily…

Offers a description of the journalistic way to write, condensed into the acronym CODE (Collect facts, Order, Development, and Edit). (SR)

Discusses the use of spell checking and grammar checking software by high school journalists. Argues that, though they are useful, they are far from foolproof and are used best by students who have been taught the basics of spelling, editing, and grammatical writing. (SR)

Argues that technical writers must construct proper contexts for readers' understanding. Discusses reader-oriented syntax, rhetorical confidence, and three kinds of context qualifiers. Offers various examples. (SR)