Site picks
- Once we hated business jargon… Back in the day, Plain Text railed against corporatese like everyone else…
- …but now we've changed our minds. It’s quite useful really, in its proper place. Why resist?
Great writing picks
- The Register The godfathers of gonzo tech journalism.
- John Naughton When he comments, you know it matters.
V – VAGUENESS
If your reader has to guess what you mean, you’ve failed as a communicator.
“Pedestrians are requested to proceed with caution on these steps during inclement weather”
Perhaps the council’s signwriters, who crafted this example, are paid by the letter. “Slippery when wet” or “These steps may be hazardous in the rain” would be a considerable improvement.
Get to the point.