Writing Is Hard. That’s Why So Few People Do It Goodly.

If you’re trying to communicate with customers, support the users of your products, or just share important knowledge with other humans — you’ll probably end up needing some words in a row. But even though you passed penmanship in third grade, you might consider hiring a pro.

Like fixing your transmission, neutering your dog, and cutting your hair — some tasks are better left to someone with the appropriate background, tools, and perspective.

“The server framework goes in, the website framework goes out. The effect is similar, the innermost attributes override the outermost, but the difference is subtle, in the website framework the storage location of the content determines its attributes, in the server framework, the path that got you to the object determines the attributes.

That seems simple enough, right? An old rule says that you shouldn’t use a word when you’re providing a definition of that word. Makes sense.

So what do these “writer” types know that you don’t? Most of it’s simple to say, but a little harder to actually do.

First on the list is learning to write in the correct “voice”. That means sound like a drill instructor if you’re training soldiers, and like Mr. Rogers if you’re teaching kindergarten. Don’t talk down to your audience. Don’t use lots of abbreviations and mystery words.

Second consideration at the Real Good Writers School would be to create a clear outline before you begin. Imagine you’re driving from Seattle to New York. To begin, that’s all you need to know. Next, what Interstates will you be taking? After that, what local roads will take you to hotels, food, and huge plaster dinosaurs? Remember that we all need clear signs of where we’re going, where we are, and where we’ve been.

Third — edit brutally. Writing is easy, cutting is excruciating. But go back and cut out every single word that doesn’t add value. Unless you’re being paid by the word, less is more. Turn prose into bullets. Add an appendix. Use incomplete sentences. Like these. (Well, unless you’re still in the third grade. I don’t want a blemish on your permanent record.)

Finally — don’t try to impress me with your stunning vocabulary. The use of little, short words eliminates a lot of confusion. Say “fired” not “downsized”. Say “broken” not “limited functionality”. Say “it slipped again” rather than “we’re delaying the release because of our commitment to quality.”

And use the damn spell checker.