Suggests that, when creating graphics files for documents in a Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) environment, technical writers should consider the differences between bitmapped and vector file formats; be familiar with available file formats; determine which graphics format best meets the needs; and incorporate the graphic into the SGML…

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 an online advisory system which offers guidelines for text writers. States that the system tries to provide easy switching from the word processor to the online advice and optimal access which enables the user to find relevant materials easily. Summarizes studies using prototypes of the system. Analyzes information-seeking behavior to…

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)

Posits that narrative can provide a basis for a pedagogy of social action--one that enables students to understand the workings of power and cultural reproduction in professional settings and that fosters reflection, critique, and dialogue. Reviews narrative theory that supports this claim. Concludes by discussing the concerns about and the…

Introduces a special issue on technical communication in Canada. Describes aspects of employment, academia, organizations, conferences, and journals in the field of technical communication in Canada. (SR)

Introduces (in the French language) a special issue on technical communication in Canada. Describes aspects of employment, academia, organizations, conferences, and journals in the field of technical communication in Canada. (SR)

Reviews recent developments in the rhetoric of science, social constructionism, feminist critiques of science, and ethics. Explains how they are postmodernistic, and explains how they are also humanistic. Concludes by discussing the implications for the practice and teaching of technical communication. (SR)

Compares and contrasts attitudes toward the Internet of people in composition, technical communication, and rhetoric with those of people in engineering, who tend to be reluctant to use the Internet as an idea-sharing open communication channel. Notes the dilemma this creates for the technical writing instructor. (SR)

Analyzes postaccident investigation reports from a feminist perspective to show how (1) conventions of public discourse privilege the rational objective voice, silence human suffering, and sanction the exclusion of alternative voices; (2) the notion of expertise excludes women's experiential knowledge; and (3) interpretation strategies that fail…

Examines the teaching of ethics in the "Engineering Publicity" program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the 1920s. Suggests that students may be empowered to enter and transform their professions by examining ethical critiques of science, technology, and business within and among the professions they will enter rather than by…

Examines the attitudes toward, and uses of, published research of a large random sample of technical communication practitioners. Shows that they value and use research but do not read academic research studies. Analyzes differences among various subgroups of practitioners. (SR)

Reviews and evaluates the methods that generate knowledge about technical communication. Classifies them as quantitative or qualitative, describes each kind in some detail, and concludes with the warning that readers should carefully analyze a research study before generalizing it. (SR)

Explains the use of true experimental designs in technical communication research, lists the eight steps in the research process, and concludes with the hope that practitioners should now be able to read research studies critically and perhaps design empirical studies of their own after further reading. (SR)

Examines whether the computer is an effective editing tool. Reports that a survey of 94 editors shows that 62.8 percent use computers in editing, and even editors who use them also depend on hard copy. Finds that the computer seems to increase the editors' responsibilities, but it remains just a tool. (PRA)