Welcome to my blog on Content Strategy

Tag: Plain Language

  • Anton Chekhov, Apple Maps, and the Power of Consistent, Accessible Content

    Anton Chekhov, Apple Maps, and the Power of Consistent, Accessible Content

    I have characterized the difference between writing for the academy techcomm as working out the same muscles with new exercises. Plain language is a major theme in these blogs. Module 4, in particular, championed a concept Anton Chekhov once wrote to Maxim Gorky:  You understand what I mean when I say, “The man sat on… Read more

  • ROT, Personas, and Finding What You’re Looking For

    ROT, Personas, and Finding What You’re Looking For

    What did you read or watch that surprised, delighted or disappointed you? Why? Module 3 was a milestone. Information from the previous modules fell into place. The acronym ROT was delightful. But the term “personas” was disappointing. ROT ROT is any redundant, outdated, or trivial content. It’s a satisfying, clever, and clear acronym. Interestingly, whenever I’ve… Read more

  • The Surprising Similarities Between Content Inventories and Dissertations

    The Surprising Similarities Between Content Inventories and Dissertations

    I found the first two modules encouraging. I am an adjunct professor who wrote his PhD dissertation on Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. Many of the challenges I faced writing a dissertation, from creating clear, logical chapters to researching for the dreaded literature review, correlate to the aims and goals of technical communication. What did you read… Read more