I’ve seen the phrase “white papers” in the past but never really spent any time thinking about what it was or what it designated. It almost sounds like classified government documents, which I guess they could be. Now that I know the actual definition of a white paper I realize that I have read an inordinate amount of them. In fact, I think I spend more time reading white papers than I do other documents.
I like white papers for the simple fact that they cut through all of the fluff and provide real technical data, most of the time. For example, these particular white papers on brakes and brake technology. This particular company provides all the technical specifications and data you could ever want about automotive braking systems. And like other companies, they are trying to sell their product, not just provide technical information. I think providing this information is good marketing and also shows the consumer that this particular company has done their research. For me personally, I like to see that a company has done its homework on the product they are trying to sell me before I hand over my dollars.
I think the hardest part of writing a white paper would be avoid having a bias, especially when you are trying to sell a particular product/technology. You have to simultaneously pitch your product while being as fair and balanced as possible. However, A white paper about an environmental issue could be an entirely different challenge. Instead of pitching a product the writer would have to present absolute facts on an issue, while, like a marketing white paper, avoid bias. Both documents serve a different purpose but each have to be technical and accurate, allowing the reader to develop their own opinions. This is a great tool for presenting information in its best form, fact.
Writer Bias
I agree with you that the biggest problem with white papers seems to be bias. Especially in the marketing sector, it is impossible for a company to inform readers without looking favorably upon their companies products. However, I don't think we will have that big of a problem with it in this particular project. For one, we aren't marketing products so we don't have to worry about persuading readers to one thing. Also, we are presenting multiple solutions for a problem. This will keep us from favoring one solution over another by offering third and fourth possibilities. Especially since we have nothing to gain (besides a grade) by persuading someone in our white papers, I think we will generally be able to keep them bias free.
Bias
While there is a problem with biases I do not believe the companies writing white pages to promote their product worry about it too much because they pay people to market their product and help it sell. They know they will have a bias (they are writing it after all) as well as the people reading them or at least I hope they realize it. They would just tone down any exaggerations towards the product. It might not be “The best thing ever” but it does X and Y a lot better than our competitors according to our survey. While it is nice to try to write without biases, people are getting paid to make their product look a lot better than the rest.
Bias
I think White Papers in marketing are made to sell their product to a “smarter” crowd that doesn’t always believe what they see in ads. I know I do a lot of research before I make a purchase. Obviously I don’t do this for all items, just ones that are going to cost a little more and I might have around for a few years. I initially thought that I too would have trouble keeping my document bias free, but after doing to research and re-reading the project descriptions, it really shouldn’t be a problem. Since we are offering numerous solutions that will not impact everyone the same, our paper really with be a compilation of facts presented meaningfully to our readers.
Bias
I don't think they care at all if the white paper is actually biased. The only thing they care about is if it looks like there is bias. Companies will be really happy to write documents that look neutral but in fact are biased in favor of their product. I remember Microsoft did a study on server operating systems which showed that Windows server was much more profitable than linux and unix servers. While this may be true, nobody beleived it because Microsoft was the author of the white paper. If they had gotten an impartial third party to do the study, they would have been much better off.
White Papers, differnt thinking
Like you, I definitely thought “White Papers” were a type of government classified writing style. After the reading I had a change in mind as you did; when you were saying that you are surrounded by White Papers in everyday life. I think that your example on the Brakes and brakes technology was great.
Avoiding being bias is going to be hard for me too. Writing a paper in a non persuasive way is going to be difficult due to the fact that it is common for me to just write about a topic and not try to pursue the user to use my product instead of others.
Zebulon Rouse