You don't know the context in which Donna asked the question. It's possible she wrote something one way and then needed to defend her decision. Sometimes, the best way to do that is to check what OTHERS are doing. Whether you like it or not, sometimes we have tol be bogged down a bit in the details. That doesn't mean we stay there. And, as always, there's a Delete key. ...sue
On 7/30/08, Tim Mantyla <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Donna and others, > > Not to be snarky, or to denigrate the constructive analysis below, > but...exactly how many bits can dance on the head of a byte? > > Ask yourself how useful is this discussion compared with the overall value > a tech writer can impart to a project, or her organization, simply by > focusing on clear, understandable writing? > > Isn't the larger question: "How can I make my technical (and other) > communications as clear and easy to use as possible?" > > Check out a great article by Bruce Byfield: "Tech Writers, Grammar and > the Prescriptive Attitude." It answers the questions above by reframing > niggling, picayune grammarian questions in larger issues that will help > you provide greater value to your organization and thus, to your own > career: > http://www.techwr-l.com/node/688 > > > Tim Mantyla > > Technical & marketing writer & editor - Journalist - Blogger - Researcher > > The Communication & Creativity blog has... > New articles posted on communication and creativity! Visit > http://timmantyla.wordpress.com > Professional services - see > http://timmantyla.wordpress.com/professional-profile-services/ > > LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/timmantyla > > Message from "Jones, Donna" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> on Tue, 29 Jul > > Subject: [TCP] A or An? > > > > Just wondering what others have done. When using the term "SQL server > > database," do you use the word "a" or the word "an"? In other words, is > > it typically pronounced S-Q-L, or is it pronounced "sequel"? > > > > Or do I have to skip that somewhat generic reference and call it a > > Microsoft SQL server database? > > > > Thanks! > > Donna > ______________________________________________ > > ComponentOne® Doc-To-Help® 2008 delivers streamlined authoring > features, including new end-user features, all within the brand new > Microsoft Office 2007 style interface. Download your FREE trial! > http://www.techcommpros.com/componentone/ > > > Interactive 3D Documentation > Parts catalogs, animated instructions, and more. www.i3deverywhere.com > _______________________________________________ > > Technical Communication Professionals > > Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: > http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com > Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com > ______________________________________________ ComponentOne® Doc-To-Help® 2008 delivers streamlined authoring features, including new end-user features, all within the brand new Microsoft Office 2007 style interface. Download your FREE trial! http://www.techcommpros.com/componentone/ Interactive 3D Documentation Parts catalogs, animated instructions, and more. www.i3deverywhere.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
