Writing Better Computer User Documentation: From Paper to Hypertext, Version 2.0

by R. John Brockmann

Book Overview

Designed to help processing professionals and technical writers write clear, accurate computer user documentation. Presents a systematic approach to writing paper and online documentation. Version 2... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471622605
• ISBN13: 9780471622604
• Release Date: July 1990
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Old Stuff but still worth looking at!

I do agree with many of the reviewers who are upset with the lack of visual appeal that the text has or even that the text is dated and that many new techniques and technologies have come about since it was revised about 15 years ago (which in modern tech terms is like the stone age). Given all that, it is a book that once you begin to read what is actually being presented you begin to realize how on the money this book is when it comes to discussing computer users documentation. In fact, I found the book to be helpful in the development of other user types of information like how to set up writing for procedures and task instructions. The basic underlying principles of organization and document development are very sound and useful. So if you can overcome the initial shock of seeing an unusal page topography, actually it kind of makes sense once you start reading it,this book is a steal at the low used prices. I highly recommend it and now that I have my copy I wouldn't give it away at any higher price.

The Best Book on Documentation

John Brockmann has raised the occupation of Technical Writing to the academic level and for that we owe him a huge debt of gratitude. I came into the industry when it was housewives who were bored, crackpots and all kinds of strange characters. The idea was that engineers couldn't communicate with users, so plain ordinary folks were hired in order to do it. The result was often folksy, but silly. Then writers who had experience in writing but who wanted to make some decent money at it were coming into the profession because the money is in the computer industry. That improved the results much, but there was still lacking an academic and theoretical foundation. Some junior colleges offered certificates in Technical Writing and a few Universities offered bachelor's degrees, but this was more the exception than the rule. The one who has had the most exposure and most acceptance in offering a theoretical and academic underpinning to what we do as Technical Writers is R. John Brockmann. I have to admit I liked the version 1 of the book better, because it was less funky. This version still retains the meat and potatoes of the first version: principles of how to write a documentation blueprint, how to organize information, how to index it, etc. It's worth reading and reading again.

If you want flashy layout, read Wired...

...but if you want a good introduction to solid principles of computer documentation, this is a good place to start. Wiley's collection of books for technical writers certainly contains some more detailed volumes, but Brockmann's book is a good starting point for less-experienced documentation authors.