COMPUTER SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Elements of Technical Writing
2005-2006
Good technical writing is useful
- "In most cases, people read a technical paper because they intend to use the information in some way -
for example, to further their own research."
- "Make sure every sentence contains useful information. Delete from your manuscript writing that is
ornamental, that entertains but does not inform, or that presents interesting but unnecessary background
information."
- "While you may be in love with a particular passage or find a certain fact fascinating,
your readers probably don't have time for it. They want you to tell them just what they need to know
about the topic - no more, no less."