Riley 1 Ryon Riley Daniel Powell 03 February 2013 ENC 3241 Critical Analysis There are many clear

differences in the articles The Art of Digital Publishing by Daniel Lynch and Content Condition and Distribution for Dynamical Virtual Worlds by Jeff Terrace. For example, the obvious difference in writing styles of each author. Lynch on one hand utilizes more of a complex style with his writing, while Lynch is more in depth and complex with his writing. Additionally, the design principles of each author are clearly distinct. While both technical reports by Daniel Lynch and Jeff Terrace are well written and notably very different, Jeff Terraces writing has a better grasp on syntax, design and cadence which makes it easier to read. To begin contrasting the articles, it is necessary to point to point out that both authors had to attempt to further explain complex computer processes, and provide a readable document that maximized reader understanding. Despite Daniel Lynchs attempt to write a technical report that is both simplistic in nature and well flowing, Jeff Terrace certainly has a more effective report because of the strong communication. The use of visuals and syntax in Lynchs report adds a flow to the document and helps the reader better understand. Terrace on one hand includes graphs, visuals and cited works to back his points. Daniel Lynch also uses more of his own opinion and less factual information to compose his report.

Riley 2 In regards to the authors use of syntax, it is clear that Jeff Terrace has a better grasp on the aesthetics of the report. By intertwining concise and lengthy sentences, he captures the attention of and provides a solid base for the reader. This element is very clear from the beginning, especially in the authors abstracts. For example: Scientific content increasingly relies on the presentation and authoring of complex multimedia diagrams and figures, sometimes interactive, to convey information in a non-textual way (Lynch 6). The first line already begins to provide the reader with the complexity of the article and the long sentences that are used in the remainder of the report. To many readers such as myself, this can be intimidating. In contrast, Jeff Terraces first line is short and sweet: Metaverses are three-dimensional virtual worlds where anyone can add and script new objects (Terrace iii). The introduction to the subject is concise and informative while Lynch has a long and complex introduction. The approach Jeff Terrace took to the report makes it interesting and captivates the reader better than the complex report by Daniel Lynch. Although it is only a matter of opinion on who is a stronger technical writer, it is still necessary to accredit both authors for their strong points. Daniel Lynchs style contains a clarity that Jeff Terrace does not. Conversely, Terrace makes up for the lack of clarity with his use of factual cited information and interesting paragraph syntax. If I were sit down with each writer, I would start with Lynch and address the use of more factual information and syntax. In Terraces case, I would offer a suggestion of clarification in his report. That being said, there is something to gain from each of their reports, whether that be style, format, or even just the length of the report. After some scrutiny of both articles, there is more of a sense of completeness throughout Jeff Terraces Content Condition and Distribution for Dynamical Virtual Worlds. The author

Riley 3 begins with a concise abstract and follows the same guidelines in the meat of the report. His article encompasses everything: style, flow, syntax, information, subtle complexity and the use of visual aid. He provides the reader with interesting information in an interesting manner. The material itself is complex, but Terrace provides a better understanding of the material by making it simple to understand. All of these elements packed together with the organization of the report give the reader a complete report. All in all, comparing and contrasting two technical reports was a beneficial and interesting process. The different areas in which Daniel Lynch and Jeff Terrace excelled were very different; one author had a simplistic style and the other was on the opposite end of the spectrum. Lynch offered a visual basis and opinionated report and Terrace was a strong opponent with a technical, complex and factually backed report. Each of these had an element of their own and when comparing the two, it is necessary to consider both sides. In the end I enjoyed the process, and found that regardless of person preference, the authors both had very strong reports.