Re: Outsourcing Content Development?

From: Mark Bodach <mbodach_at_bluelanterntech.com>
Date: Tue 30 Apr 2002 12:32:15 -0600

I agree with some of the points, the main one being that the person is
probably way to close to the product to be able to write objectively. But
there is also an advantage to closeness, you know the product best.

As a computer programmer I am the last one who should be writing help
files, but at the same time, I am the best one. I know all the tricks, the
short-cuts, and what happens when you click this or move that. So who
better then to inform the customer. Computer programmers tend to be
horrible at communicating their thoughts in English, but there are ways
around the problem, and here is where my advice comes in.

1) Know the audience that you are trying to target. If you are going after
computer professionals, you can use more complex terms, but if you are
writing for a CEO or anyone in Sales and Marketing, make sure it is in a
language they can understand.

2) Write an initial draft. This saves you time, ensures that the
"professional" has an idea of what you want to present and also gives them
some information to begin with.

3) Try again... Re-write the draft a couple of days later, does it still
make sense in your mind.. does it still make sense when you read it out loud.

4) Now get a stranger or someone unfamiliar with the product to read
it. Does it make sense to them.

At this point, you will have saved yourself some money, and will also learn
from the professional, especially for the next piece you need to write.


Mark B
Blue Lantern Technologies
416.721.7149
www.BlueLanternTech.com
sales_at_BlueLanternTech.com

"Have a Dynamic Website? Need to Administrate it?"
www.bluelanterntech.com/wsm/




Received on Tue Apr 30 2002 - 13:32:15 CDT