📝Tech Writing Rules: No Names, Only Titles
No more Mr. Nice Guy in tech writing
TL;DR
New guidelines ban personal names and direct quotes in tech writing, focusing on titles and roles instead. This shift aims to maintain objectivity and focus on the content's substance.
Tech writing now adheres to strict rules that ban personal names and direct quotes, emphasizing titles and roles instead. This move aims to enhance objectivity and focus on the content's substance. Developers should care because these rules ensure that discussions remain centered on the technology and its impact, rather than individual opinions or personalities. The guidelines apply to all personal names, with exceptions only for public figures' initial mentions. Direct quotes are discouraged in favor of paraphrasing, ensuring a consistent and professional tone across all tech writing.
Key Points
New rules prohibit personal names in tech writing, focusing on titles and roles for objectivity.
Exceptions exist for public figures' names when introducing their roles, but only once.
Direct quotes are banned, with paraphrasing recommended to maintain a professional tone.
Company names, product names, institution names, and technical details are still allowed.
These guidelines apply to all tech writing, ensuring a consistent and objective approach.
Why It Matters
Tech writers must now adhere to strict guidelines that ban personal names and direct quotes, focusing on titles and roles instead. This impacts how developers perceive and engage with tech content, ensuring discussions remain centered on the technology's impact rather than individual opinions. For example, if you're writing a review of a new AI model, you must refer to the CEO as 'the CEO' rather than by name, maintaining a professional and objective tone throughout.
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