I think that what is elegant to a technical communicator in many ways is not that different from what is elegant to most readers. It is just a matter of seeing the information in a different context, the world of technology. I may be slightly biased, as a technical communicator, precise, easy to read and writing is elegant.
My current profession does not really subscribe to any definition or use of the term elegant. For the most part, the documentation I use in my daily job is, for lack of a better term “dry". Most documents are specifications are requirements that provide details on an interface or system enhancement. But if I really think about it, yes, these types of documents can be elegant. Elegant in the fact they provide me with the information I need, when I need it. In most cases there is not a great deal of additional material, mainly the specifications and information needed to test system functionality. There really is no need for any other information in most cases, it may even distract from the vital information being presented.
In the eyes of a technical professional, the material and information may be presented in a way that is clear, concise and readable. In the IT world, these would make for an elegant document as often the documentation received is lacking in many areas. I think this in a way ties into our class discussion on elegance. Some may think a popular romance novel is elegant writing. It may be or it may not be elegant. The determination is in eyes of the reader.
In my current profession, while the documentation is technical and perhaps “dry” to many people, there is certain elegance to the writing. I do not think this is by design as, the technical communicator in my field is task with mainly documenting and presenting information, with little thought toward style. But for those in a technical field, I think they can appreciate the elements of style and elegance that appear in presenting information on subjects that may not be that exciting to the general public.
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I agree. Elegance to a TCer is clarity, definitely. Precision, accuracy. But, it gets at the importance of rhetoric in style. The rhetorical situation CAN NOT be removed from style. It is, in fact, what makes style style. I know people (myself included) who can appreciate something that is short and brief and exactly what is needed. Good writing for TC is kairotic writing.
ReplyDeleteI think about CBS as the concept applies to other genres as well. Coming from a background in creative writing, I wasn't taught CBS as a style for poetry. But, I see a real connection from a rhetorical standpoint. Audiences, even in poetry, have certain needs that they expect to be fulfilled by the writing. Clarity, brevity, sincerity are perhaps defined differently because of the genre and the rhetorical expectations. But, the CBS concept still exists I think. Just in new ways. What do you think?
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