Found in 11 comments on Hacker News
bbx · 2024-04-06 · Original thread
A lot of the tips in this article are very similar to the ones provided in this fantastic book: The Elements of Style [1]. I highly recommend it, even for a non-native speaker.

[1] https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/...

valbaca · 2019-05-31 · Original thread
I've taken the class within Amazon.

Honestly there isn't anything that you couldn't get by simply reading and applying the advice from "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White[1] and "On Writing Well" by Zinsser [2].

The primary philosophy is that if you can't write well, then you haven't thought it through. The act of writing is an act of reasoning.

0. Practice in a strong feedback loop. This applies for anything, not just writing.

1. Ruthlessly reduce your sentences. Repeat until you can't eliminate or combine any more words.

2. Avoid adverbs. Use "dashed" or "sprinted" instead of "ran quickly". Learn more words.

3. Avoid weasel words like "should" "could" "might". Take a stance and give concrete reasons.

4. Use concrete data over descriptors. "+5% profit" over "increased profit".

5. Write in active voice. Look up the "by Zombies" trick.

6. Use the simplest word that maintains your meaning. No one needs to use the word "utilize".

[1]: https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/...

[2]: https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-Classic-Guide-Nonfiction...

StriverGuy · 2018-03-05 · Original thread
I recommend getting three books and to begin writing at least 500 words per day distraction free (technical, fiction, stream of conscious):

1) On Writing Well - William Zinser https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-30th-Anniversary-Nonfict...

2) On Writing - Stephen King- https://www.amazon.com/Writing-10th-Anniversary-Memoir-Craft...

3) The Elements of Style - Strunk & White - https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/...

The two most important points are concise style and active voice. Both of these habits are critical for SEs to write concise emails, specs and commit messages. You will even see improvement in more casual day to day interactions (via slack, SMS etc).

spodek · 2018-02-11 · Original thread
"Getting To Yes" https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Yes-Negotiating-Agreement-Wit...

I've given away more copies of that book than any other. Improves all relationships.

"Elements of Style" aka Strunk and White. https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/...

I'd prefer they not only read Elements of Style, but work on it.

W0lf · 2017-06-05 · Original thread
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atsaloli · 2016-11-21 · Original thread
The Elements of Style by Strunk and White is indispensable.

https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/...

davidf18 · 2015-10-25 · Original thread
Read Strunk & White: Elements of Style

http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/d...

There are many examples about how to write clearly.

Balgair · 2015-04-13 · Original thread
http://www.amazon.com/The-Elements-Style-Fourth-Edition/dp/0...

A good companion piece. Really, if you want to know how to write, and barely have time to make breakfast, The Elements of Style is the book for you.

vkdelta · 2010-11-14 · Original thread
You might want to read "Elements of Style - by William Strunk"

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/d...

cwb · 2009-06-01 · Original thread
Strunk & White's The Elements of Style deserves a mention here in case anyone has missed it -- clear, concise, and practical writing advice.

1999 edition on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-William-Strunk/d...

1918 edition online: http://www.bartleby.com/141/

For more hand-holding, On Writing Well by William Zinsser is worthwhile.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Well-30th-Anniversary-Nonficti...

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