Abstract

Computer-mediated communication on the Internet offers new challenges and opportunities for technical communication. The cases of Lotus MarketPlace and the Clipper chip illustrate the specialized nature of technical communities on the Internet and suggest that when technical messages are not overly complex, the process of reposting may widen community appeal but also promote inaccurate information. Yet, when technical messages are highly complex, audiences may not repost such messages; this preserves accuracy of information but at the same time limits how many people will read the information. Finally, these cases strengthen recent arguments that rhetorical delivery is an increasingly important component of technical communication.

Journal
Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Published
1996-01-01
DOI
10.1177/1050651996010001004
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (2)

  1. Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication

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