This article argues that in spite of some attempts to expand the diversity of approaches in Technical Communication, the field remains rooted in an expedient, managerial, techno-rational discourse, where discourse is understood as the values that guide research, practice, and teaching. The article draws on approaches from Communication Studies,…

Those who submit manuscripts to academic journals may benefit from a better understanding of how editors weigh ethics in their interactions with authors. In an attempt to ascertain and to understand editors' ethics, we interviewed 3 current academic journal editors of technical and/or business communication journals. We asked them about the…

Argues that technical communicators are in the position to foster users' commonsense understanding of products. Discusses different definitions of common sense and suggests that including scenarios, common metaphors, and language that promotes procedural knowledge in product information can strengthen users' commonsense understanding of the…

Discusses some of the relationships between rhetoric and the concepts of leadership and the "polis" (the active assembly of citizens empowered to discuss and make public policy). Argues that the study of leadership belongs in composition, rhetoric, and communication and that scholars and teachers are more than justified in studying leadership and…

Claims that two social values in science--falsifiability of scientific theories and cooperation among scientists--determine use of passives in scientific communication. Concludes that educators must help science students understand how the social values in science are embodied in scientific passives and help them gain insights into how scientists…

Describes XML, a recent Web design language that will enable technical communicators to produce documentation that can reuse information and present it across multiple types of media for diverse audiences. Argues that XML requires more interdisciplinary approaches toward the teaching and research of technical communication, particularly with…

Outlines Willard Van Orman Quine's theory of language in the generation of empirical knowledge, gleaned from two works from his voluminous ouvre. Draws connections between Quine's theory and that of Richard Rorty, the American pragmatist philosopher. Sketches how this theoretical perspective can be applied in the technical communication classroom…

Suggests the case of the British Westland Lysander P12 Ground Strafer aircraft illustrates the problem of narrow thinking. Claims that had the initial designers approached the problem in a broad way, they would have seen in advance that the project would fail. Concludes the case is instructive as an industrial problem, but it also demonstrates the…

Examines three sought-after Instructional Technology Outcomes (increased productivity, managed change, and enhanced human abilities) concluding that much of IT falls short through impoverished implementation planning and blind faith in technology to solve problems. Discusses four areas of opportunity. Argues that these factors may culminate in…

Considers how the Internet is revolutionizing the investment world and how the Securities and Exchange Commission recently passed a rule requiring businesses to use plain English to try and rid disclosures of their traditionally complex and ambiguous language. (SC)

Presents historical roots of page design principles, arguing that current theories and practices of document design have their roots in gender-related theories of images. Claims visual design should be evaluated regarding the rhetorical situation in which the design is used. Focuses on visual images of documents in professional communication,…

Notes that much had changed in the Roman's social order at the end of the Republic. Claims both Vitruvius and Cicero used writing to persuade Roman citizens to reclaim their heritage: of building arts in Vitruvius' case; and of philosophy and meaningful public oratory in Cicero's case. (NH)

Supplements existing rhetorical scholarship by returning to the notion of invention as general preparation of the communicator. Explores the need for invention in technical communication and summarizes Kenneth Burke's theories of dialectic and rhetoric. Presents strategies for invention, and offers advice for incorporating them into teaching…

Offers examples from the author's experience to show how service learning is well-suited to the population of students who take introduction to technical writing at Salt Lake Community College. Outlines what the organizations and the students themselves say about the service learning experience. Outlines recommendations for making service learning…

Argues that Truman Capote's nonfiction novel "In Cold Blood" serves as a case study of a psychopath through its close examination of the entire constellation of antisocial personality traits of the murderer, Richard Hickock. Suggests this best-seller conforms to established medical authority while maintaining its popular appeal. (NH)