COMPUTER SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Elements of Technical Writing
2005-2006

  • Good technical writing is useful
    1. "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."
    2. "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."
    3. "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."