Thursday, January 22, 2004
Hahahaha, I totally agree w/ Nate on the format of the review - what's w/ that? I find it difficult to trust a person who appears as though they should know about tech comm when they do "stuff" like that. However, as Nate suggested, the author may have had no control over the format. Hence, I now quiet myself.
I definitely agree with the review that the book serves as a useful tool on various levels. I like that the information is layered for audiences at varying skill and knowledge levels so it can be used effectively in any scenario or context.
Though I thought it was "dorky" at first, I can now appreciate the section explaining how to read the chapter. It's practical, and to me, it also seems to push away that perceived persona of the textbook writer that he or she is a messenger of God, divinely handed this information, and we should read all of it and question nothing.
I have previously used and still own the first edition of the textbook, and in comparing the second edition and the first edition, there are actually some fairly significant changes. I'm impressed by the actual amount of thought and analysis that must have gone into revising the book. The chapters are organized differently and some information is presented differently also to make it more coherent and more easily understood.
I definitely agree with the review that the book serves as a useful tool on various levels. I like that the information is layered for audiences at varying skill and knowledge levels so it can be used effectively in any scenario or context.
Though I thought it was "dorky" at first, I can now appreciate the section explaining how to read the chapter. It's practical, and to me, it also seems to push away that perceived persona of the textbook writer that he or she is a messenger of God, divinely handed this information, and we should read all of it and question nothing.
I have previously used and still own the first edition of the textbook, and in comparing the second edition and the first edition, there are actually some fairly significant changes. I'm impressed by the actual amount of thought and analysis that must have gone into revising the book. The chapters are organized differently and some information is presented differently also to make it more coherent and more easily understood.
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
What is your reaction to the Reyman review of our textbook? Do you think you could improve on her review? Is Barker difficult to understand? Do you think that his book is appropriate for workplace professionals who are already writing online documentation at work?
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Guess what? A review of our textbook. Just for fun, read this review and then start thinking about critiquing it. I'm sure, after reading a few chapters, that you will have an opinion. How do you assess Reyman's review? Is she on the right track? Specifically what do you agree with and disagreee with? (P.S. If you want to wait until you've read a few chapters, fine, but don't forget to answer this request.)
