Electronic Editing in Technical Communication: The Compelling Logics of Local Contexts

Author: Dayton, David

Source: Technical Communication, Volume 51, Number 1, February 2004 , pp. 86-101(16)

Publisher: Society for Technical Communication

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Abstract:

This article reports a qualitative study of e-editing practices and attitudes in specific workplace contexts. In 20 face-to-face interviews with technical communicators at five different workplaces, I delved into their reasons for using and not using e-editing procedures. Workgroups revealed widely varying perceptions of e-editing, differences explained by personal preferences interacting with highly localized factors, most importantly by specific editing goals, the division of labor, and the technologies used. The findings of this study complement the statistical, field-level view of e-editing practices and attitudes based on survey data reported in a previous article. The qualitative results reported here shed light on how specific workplace contexts influence perceptions and interpretations of e-editing’s benefits and drawbacks.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2004-02-01

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Technical Communication, the Society's journal, publishes articles about the practical application of technical communication theory and serves as a common arena for discussion by practitioners. Technical Communication includes both quantitative and qualitative research while showcasing the work of some of the field's most noteworthy writers. Among its most popular features are the helpful book reviews. Technical Communication is published quarterly and is free with membership.
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