Help in Review an article

[Madhuri]

I have been assigned the task of reviewing an article of my collegue that she is to send for publishing on a Testing related website (cant post it here before it is on on the actual site).

The article is not stating any facts so is not very technical, but some general practices for testing.

I am seeing --

1. A lot of phrases are used, say in every paragraph there are 2-3 phrases. Are so many phrases needed? Does it not appear as if she is taking more than necessary help of these phrases in coming to the point?

2. Use of difficult words -- I think they should be used only if one cant do without them, as the simpler the language the more will be its reach, I mean the reader base will increase. I have read so many good and effective article that do not use complex words at all. If I take the readers to be our own team, I think most of them will be referring to the dictionary to understand those words.

This is the second cycle of review this article is going thorugh and I have come across these issues. Do you think these are issues at all or am I being overtly critical? Or do you think I should make these suggestions, and if she likes she can keep them or discard?

[Jean-Baptiste]

I certainly would think that clarity and conciseness would be preferable in an article meant to convey a specific message to a great number of people. I see no harm in making these suggestions that you've prepared to your colleague, especially if you were asked directly to do so.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "phrases". If you mean that it is unnecessarily wordy, or uses too many cliches, then that is definitely a point you should make.

As for the use of difficult words--I'm torn. I'm a big fan of sesquipedalians, and consider myself a sesquipedalian, but they definitely have their place. In this instance I agree with you, that they should probably be left out, or replaced with suitable synonyms.

I'm sure you don't need to worry about hurting her feelings, if that's what your worrying about. These suggestions are entirely reasonable, and would be appreciated by anyone concerned with having their article read and understood by many.

[Madhuri]

I certainly would think that clarity and conciseness would be preferable in an article meant to convey a specific message to a great number of people. I see no harm in making these suggestions that you've prepared to your colleague, especially if you were asked directly to do so.

Thanks for replying Jean.

Yes, I was asked, and this is the second time I am reviewing it, its better now, except for the issues I mentioned.



I'm not quite sure what you mean by "phrases". If you mean that it is unnecessarily wordy, or uses too many cliches, then that is definitely a point you should make.

I think it is too wordy and has many cliches. These seem to be everywhere, trying to make a point, but never actually making it.



As for the use of difficult words--I'm torn. I'm a big fan of sesquipedalians, and consider myself a sesquipedalian, but they definitely have their place. In this instance I agree with you, that they should probably be left out, or replaced with suitable synonyms.

he he he...I need to use the dictionary for 'sesquipedalian' myself. I think you have validated my point. Simplicity has its own beauty.



I'm sure you don't need to worry about hurting her feelings, if that's what your worrying about. These suggestions are entirely reasonable, and would be appreciated by anyone concerned with having their article read and understood by many.

I was thinking about this, as I am actually highlighting these issues, and it seems as if the whole article has been marked.

[Pensive]

I don't see there is any point of using words when nobody can understand them - From Perks of Being a Wall-Flower.

So I support you whole-heartedly on the matter of using simple words, Madhuri. :)

[Madhuri]

Thanks, Pensy. I think I am becoming sure that I will make these suggestions.

[Jean-Baptiste]

Hi, Madhuri! Let us know how this turns out. :)

[Madhuri]

Sure! I have highlighted all my suggestions and I will send it today. I'll let you know if she accepted these suggestions or not.

Thanks! :)

[Madhuri]

Hey Jean, I got the reply from my collegue and she plans to make the article simple by using simple words, and about phrases, she will think over, if she could replace with something better she would, else the phrases remain. Even I thought after having made my suggestion, that, if phrases are reduced it would take away the charm of reading it.

[Jean-Baptiste]

Well, this sounds like a rather successful critique you've made then. I'm glad to hear that. So there was no screaming or pulling of hair? That's always the best sign that your remarks have been taken well. Yes, I suppose that recognizable phrases may have a place, depending on the purpose and tone of the individual article--they're not always bad.

Glad to hear it. :thumbs_up

[Madhuri]

No, no screaming or any such thing :D, she was quite receptive of the suggestions, but she did say that implementing it (words and phrases) will involve a lot of work. I think so it will, if she decides to implement every suggestion, it will mean that she is not making corrections but writing the whole article again.

I also suggested her to add some facts, as its a technical article, it will be better if the opinion has the support of facts from the industry.

I will be glad if her article gets a good response. :D

Thanks Jean for your views as well. :)