Chapter three, Readers and Contexts of Use, emphasizes many key points about a technical document that are sometimes overlooked and not used as much as they are needed. These key points are knowing your readers' profiles and how the readers will use this document. The chapter also shows how to create reader and context analysis charts, search specifically in an internet search engine, and how to communicate with different cultures.
I believe when I write anything, whether it be a technical document or just an essay for a class, I overlook my readers' profiles. I do not usually keep this in mind, and this could hurt my readers' view as writer and as a knowledgeable person. As chapter three states, there are four different readers: primary, secondary, tertiary, and gatekeepers. I believe when I write I only write towards the primary reader. The primary reader for many of my writings in my classes is my professor. I only write to them knowing that they will grade my paper, but I really should be writing towards my secondary readers (classmates), tertiary readers (lawyers, for example), and gatekeepers (secretaries). This will make my habits better which will help me in the future.
In my opinion, the most important section in the chapter is where it states the five guidelines about the readers. I most strongly agree with the first guideline. It says that readers are "raiders" for information. I agree with this because when I read documents, I usually end up "raiding" it as well. I usually just scan the document and my eyes wonder from bold headings to bullets and then to pictures. I stray away from reading the long boring paragraphs with nothing in them. This guideline reminds me to stay on track with the main focus of the document and to keep it simple with pictures, bullets, bold headings, numbers and facts, and captions.
This chapter has taught me much of what I already know and realize, but concepts and ideas that I do not actually apply when writing. Throughout this course I will try more directly inform the reader without straying to far off topic, while keeping in mind that my readers, like me, will usually scan my writing looking for valuable information.
Resonse
After reading the chapter and some other responses I feel that many people failed to mention the importance of the context analysis charts, using an internet search engine, and communicating between different cultures. I think you started to mention their importance but it would have been better to give more information about why they are important and how they affect the writing process.
I can agree with you though on the fact on how I also feel like sometimes I look past the audience that I will be writing to. Often I feel like I am just writing to write, and not thinking about who will be actually reading it. Working on perfecting writing habits should be our number 1 goal this semester.
Reply to Joey
My writing isn't perfect, obviously, and it is nice to have others show me where I can improve. Thank you Joey, for showing me that I didn't really elaborate on the importance of the context analysis charts, using an internet search engine, and communicating between different cultures. After reading what I wrote I agree that I did not show these importances. Here are some brief importances of each.
The context analysis charts are important when the writer needs to know where the writings will be used. This is helpful to the writing and will help to know what language and terms are acceptable for the place of usage.
Using an internet search engine is extremely helpful when a writer is stumped and needs answers. Chapter three shows many tips and tricks that I didn't know such as the +/- and the wildcard symbols. These can be helpful when searching for exact information.
As for communicating between different cultures, I believe that having this ability is becoming more important as business with other countries continues to skyrocket. Other countries are becoming more industrious, and being able to communicate with them will be key to being in the industrial field.
Response
I am guilty of being a “raider” for information as well. It is usually done while reading textbooks for school. Of course a more current example is what I am sure many of us are doing this weekend or even on Monday morning. That would be scanning various reader responses for information for which we can comment on. It could be a phrase, a life experience we could relate to, or more importantly an opinion about the reading. It is much easier to comment on another student’s blog when it has personality and is not just a summary of what we all just read.
Response
Being a raider is the nature of your typical college student. Some would classify what I am currently doing can fall under being a raider. But I feel that the content of what technical writing holds is more fragile than a blog post which is what the author wants to get across. In addition, the technical writing holds a stronger structure and given the contexts and audiences the document has, a person could elaborate efficiently and effectively. As opposed to writing opinions down for the sake of 100 words.