Blog 2

How does Jack Selzer convince you that his analysis about Nelson"s writing practices are based on extensive, careful observation?

I believe that Selzer set out to discover exactly what a technical writer's writing process is since many of the others being observed were very young and inexperienced. I think that Selzer saw an opportunity to prove that technical writing is a lot more than sitting down and writing without any effort at all.
First, Selzer observes Nelson, an engineer in Chicago, to prove that there is more to the technical writing process. He explains that Nelson does a series of procedures prior to finishing a writing proposal or assignment. There are notes, drafts, outlines, plans, revisions, and etc. In his article Selzer stated that Nelson uses 80 percent of his time just arranging and brainstorming his writing project. That is a great deal of time for someone to spend on those two aspects of the assignment. Many people was their time thinking of complicated sentences or fancy word use that could ultimately take away from the writing.
Selzer also noticed information being re-used from previous assignments, which ultimately cuts down on time and work. When you are a technical writer there are many deadlines and other assignments waiting to be started and spending a long period of time on one piece is not feasible. This is why all the preparation that goes into writing a single assignment is crucial.
Next, while observing Nelson, Selzer directs a series of questions and comments about the certain things the writer does and why he does it. Even offering suggestions to see if Nelson would stray from one of his procedures. He wanted to know what Nelson was doing when it came down to his notes and revisions and why he was doing it.
In the short time that Selzer observed Nelson, he saw that the writer also considers the audience that will be receiving his pieces. Nelson writes very simple and "straight to the point" making it very simple for just about anyone to read and comprehend his writing, even when it is as difficult as engineering.
Finally, I think that Selzer was able to obtain a great deal of information from his one day of observations. I think that he accomplishes the task of letting us know that there is still a great deal more that he could have learned and observed. I think that also this was a way for him to prove that research is key for teaching young students how to go about writing about a certain subject. I know that when I was in high school, we were required to turn in and outline and two rough drafts and I think that in the end is has made it easier for me to go about writing and finishing an assignment well.