Book Description
Would
you
read
information
presented
like
this?
No. It’s just not natural. Sometimes presentation is almost as important as content. When you create a report, the goal is to provide information for readers in a format they can readily understand.
Crystal Reports 10 For Dummies, the latest version of the most popular report writer in the world, shows you how to create simple or sophisticated reports, turning data into interactive, actionable reports that convey what’s happening in your business. You can progress cover-to-cover or use the index to find out how to:
- Give your reports more pizzazz by using the correct fonts, color, drop shadows, graphic elements, and more
- Integrate elements from multiple, non-database sources
- Group sort, total result sets, cross-tab reports, and add formulas, charts, or maps
- Print reports
- Use customized Business Views gleaned from the same information to provide each reader with information he or she needs to know without spilling all the beans, sales figures, marketing information, or whatever
- Present multi-dimensional data in OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) cubes
- Get ideas from sample reports on the companion Web site
Written by Allen G. Taylor, nationally known lecturer, teacher, and author of over 20 books, including Database Development for Dummies, Crystal Reports 10 For Dummies makes it crystal clear how to:
- Store your information securely in Crystal Repository
- Use Crystal Analysis 10 to display OLAP data so you and your report’s readers can analyze the information in an online environment
- Use Crystal Enterprise to put Crystal Reports online for viewing by hundreds or thousands of people in your organization
Whether you want to dazzle your company’s CEO and shareholders, motivate the sales force, or simply share database information cogently, with Crystal Reports 10 For Dummies you not only make your point, you an impression. When your reports look professional, you look professional.
Download Description
ated to reflect the latest version of the Crystal Reports reporting tool
* Explains how to use Crystal Reports to quickly transform almost any data into interactive content
* Features a jump-start chapter on creating a simple report
* Covers basic and advanced reporting features, such as retrieving data from databases; sorting, grouping, and totaling result sets; using report templates; making correlations with cross-tab reports; working with formulas; adding geographic detail with maps; publishing reports; and much more
* Includes a new section that explains how to use the new time-saving and data-sharing features available when Crystal Reports is integrated with the other components in the product suite: Crystal Enterprise and Crystal Analysis
* Companion Web site includes sample reports from the book
Customer Reviews:
good.......2007-09-16
a good book to get your feet wet. my first 'for dummies' book. I felt a tad foolish buying this, having written loads of programs in the last 18 years, but this book was very helpful getting me started on crystal reports.
Crystal Reports 10- Yay!.......2007-06-14
This is not an intuitive program for me to use for reports and documents, but the book gave me some good pointers.
The For Dummies Approach applied to Crystal Reports.......2007-03-11
The computer was going to eliminate paperwork. That's why Crystal Reports has sold about 13 million copies. Simply put, Crystal Reports is a database report writer.
Most of the data a business wants to look at is maintained in a database. How to produce a report that is customized for what you (or your boss) want to see can be done by going directly to the database, executing a query and then printing it out in a format that you want to see -- bah humbug. Who wants to go program all that stuff?
Hence Crystal Reports. Here is a program that allows you to basically point and click and produce the report you want. It's rather simple to use for a simple straight forward report. That's why Crystal Reports is included in some 200 software packages.
Now, why buy a book on it, and why this book in particular. First, if you've looked at the documentation provided by Crystal Reports you've probably thrown up your hands in disgust. Second, because you've gotten to this page means you probably searched for something on Crystal Reports and found that you didn't have all that many choices that cover Version 10. Third, this is a 'For Dummies' book. It is written in a style that most of use can read and get some sense out of it.
If you're just getting started, this is a good place. If you're already an expert, this will tell you about what's possible in the newest version.
Crystal Reports 10 for Dummies.......2007-02-20
This book is pretty good for a quick tour of the software and it's capabilities.
Dummies and Crystal Report.......2007-01-11
Crystal Reports has more features than can one book can explain, but this one gives a great mini overview of lots of items available. Well worth the expense.
Book Description
Are you writing a grant application for the first time? Maybe you’re a veteran fundraiser looking to sharpen your grant writing skills. No matter how experienced you are at writing requests for money, people and organizations are not going to support you just because you’re in need.
Grant Writing for Dummies, 2
nd Edition shows you the most effective way to compose a grant proposal and get funding from governments, corporations, foundations, and more! This hands-on, step-by-step guide leads you through researching options, dealing with application forms, handling potential sponsors, and getting the money you need. Revised and up-to-date, this book covers everything you need to know to:
- Fill out federal grant application kits
- Win grants from corporations and foundations
- Gain support from an individual grantor
- Obtain grants from international funds
- Meet the review criteria of government grants and contracts
- Choose the right word to win funds
- Master cover letters, abstracts, and more
- Let prospective grantors know your deal
- Put the finishing touches on your application
Demystifying the process of grant writing, this all-out guide gives you just the facts with no information withheld. You’ll get savvy tips on organizing your writing, developing your style, personalizing your requests, and how to handle your rejection and move forward. Also included is a complete example of a grant application narrative. With Grant Writing for Dummies, 2
nd Edition, you’ll be able to craft effective proposals and go for the gold!
Customer Reviews:
Good Intro.......2007-04-25
This is a good intro, without much information on actual grants for specific purposes. If you are an educator, non-profit, or individual interested in grants related to technology, for innovation, curriculum, development, emerging technologies, I recommend Technology Grant News: Everything Technology: Awards-Contests-Grants-Scholarships. Technology Grant News: Everything Technology [2007]:Awards ¿ Contests ¿ Grants -Scholarships ¿ Fellowships
Grant writing for dummies....as a reference.......2006-11-13
This is a good starter book, but it does not provide quality resources for you to practice the skills gained. You should build your skills with quality templates, references, wording techniques. I would caution readers to move on to a good intermediate work like Government Funding and You. This book will provide you with the skills to put together a quality grant with the potential LAND that grant. This book is an excellent start, but Government Funding and You is a crucial next step.
Awarded $250,000 Federal grant because of this book!.......2006-08-26
I was working at a NON-PROFIT organization and the departing Executive Director refused to submit a renewed grant request to a Federal agency. I was tasked to do it instead within one week. I had no support of the staff or Board of Directors because they did not have a clue of the process. I had never written a grant. So, I purchased this book and read it over the weekend. It was easy to read and made sense. I simply followed the book...identified a problem/an unmet need and a way to solve it. Thank you! The agency was awarded $250,000 to fund two of the full-time employees over a 2 year period.
Love this series!.......2006-07-22
Each one of the "Dummies" books has been so helpful, not only for me but for my daughter who is in high school. Everything from religion to business. "Grant Writing for Dummies" is in keeping with the others: very informative, gets to the point for the layperson, and is done in a very easy-to-use format. So far, I haven't come across one book in this series that isn't helpful!
I Can Do This!.......2005-07-26
I found this book extemely helpful and easy to read. It reduced the mystery of the grant world to something even I could understand. Based on the title, I have to say that I can do this!
Average customer rating:
|
Business Contracts Kit for Dummies (With CD-ROM)
Richard D. Harroch
Manufacturer: For Dummies
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Small Business Kit for Dummies
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The Complete Book of Business & Legal Forms (Small Business Sourcebooks)
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Contracts in a Nutshell (In a Nutshell (West Publishing))
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Ultimate Book of Business Forms
ASIN: 0764552368 |
Book Description
If you think that hard work and good decision-making are the only keys to running a successful business, think again. Although these issues are critical in any business endeavor, in reality it is the paperwork that is key to creating and maintaining your business. That’s right, paperwork! From employee contracts to real estate leases, these and other legal documents are incredibly important, but can be difficult to decipher.
If you’re a business owner who is not a legal expert, Business Contracts Kit For Dummies will provide you with advice, forms, and contracts that will allow you to clearly spell out your business intentions to employees, vendors, and customers. Even if you’ve been in business for a while or are a legal expert, you can still benefit from this book by using the nearly 200 sample contracts and documents contained on the companion CD-ROM.
Using jargon-free language, this easy-to-use guide will introduce you to the basics of contracts and show you how to draft a variety of other legal documents. Business Contracts Kit For Dummies also covers the following topics and much more:
- Forms for businesses big and small
- Understanding the essentials of contracts
- Incorporating your business
- Drafting employment contracts
- Conquering leases, licenses, and loans
- Tackling Web agreements
- Avoiding common contract mistakes
This unique kit is just what you need to make business agreements more agreeable. And, best of all, it gives you dozens of sample contracts on the companion CD-ROM that you can use right away! Nearly 200 examples, checklists, and fill-in-the-blank contracts are all a mouse click away, including articles of incorporation, independent contractor agreements, checklists for office leases, software license agreements, confidentiality agreements, and much more. Business Contracts Kit For Dummies will show you how to cover your assets without making it a full-time job.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book for Novices.......2006-03-13
I needed a book that would explain the basics and give me the confidence I needed to draft contracts. This book hit the spot. The author, deftly explains the basics of contracts, boilerplate terms and what not to do. It was simple, funny and very informative. I was specifically looking for information on business sales contracts but found a lot of information about stock purchases, employee contracts etc., things I will need to know more about in the future. The CD was also very helpful with a wealth of document examples. I would heartily recommend this book for others like me, newcomers to the business world. Once you have the basics or wish to delve deeper into the legal jungle then you will need a more indepth text. However for those without a legal background and in need of a concise, easy to understand and informative book on business contracts, this is the book for us.
Book Description
Entrepreneur's Notebook propels you on a whirlwind tour of the start-up process. It is an invaluable reference for new and experienced entrepreneurs that includes chapters on a wide range of topics, from entrepreneurial team building to business plans to financing. This excellent book provides an incredible amount of practical information that will help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes. The author, Steven K. Gold, is an accomplished entrepreneur who has co-founded and led five early-stage ventures. As an investor and mentor, he also advises many entrepreneurs and young companies. He earned his B.S.E. in Entrepreneurial Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and his M.D. from Brown University Medical School.
Customer Reviews:
Nice Guide for Beginners.......2007-06-16
The author writes a nice overview of the entrepreneurial process. It's basically for novices but it does a good job for this audience. The only problem I have with this book is that it is too basic and is therefore non-unique because it is so low-level. Regardless, I must say that for the right audience, it does a fine job over giving the big picture.
If you are advanced or aspire to become advanced, I would recommend "The Startup Company Bible for Entrepreneurs" but only for high-tech entrepreneurs. Even this author has recommended it.
A Must-Have for Entrepreneurs.......2007-05-14
Steven gives great illustrations to drive home his insightful advice for entrepreneurs. As he's "been there, done that," we can take his advice to heart in the hopes of becoming a success like him!
Exellent Book.......2007-05-11
Great book for getting ready to open a new business. Would refer to anyone thinking about opening a business.
Brief and to the point.......2007-04-27
This is a delightful little book that contains a wealth of useful and helpful information and ideas on starting a small business and ensuring that it is viable and succesful. The book is well written and easy to follow and interesting to read.
This is a must read for entrepreneurs, particularly budding ones as the information the book provides is very practical and can help you avoid making costly errors. The book covers a wide range of topics including the start-up process, marketing the business on a small budget, cash-flow forecasting, among other things.
The book is an excellent companion for the entrepreneur that is well worth having.
Invaluable advice for the budding entrepreneur.......2007-03-04
This book does a terrific job of presenting some of the most important issues entrepreneurs face when embarking on new ventures, touching on topics such as the business plan, funding, team building, and cash flows. Using simple, yet stunningly accurate models of the entrepreneurial process, Steven Gold distills complex subjects into simple, practical, take-away messages. The classification of entrepreneurial personalities (professionals, pragmatists, and inventors) is something I think we can all relate to. I find the metaphor which compares building a new company to making "stone soup" equally compelling. There are countless books out there for budding entrepreneurs, but this one is no fluff. It gets right down to the nuts and bolts so you can concentrate on your business.
Amazon.com
Perhaps the best thing about Structured Query Language (SQL) databases is the fact that so many excellent reporting products can talk to them. One of the best SQL reporting and charting products is Crystal Reports. Crystal Reports 8 for Dummies shows you how to use this product to maximum effect, even if you don't yet know the first thing about SQL, databases, or effective strategies for presenting information. It patiently reveals what you need to know, using all of the Dummies tricks--including lots of illustrations and a dose of humor--to get the facts across.
This book does a great job with stepped procedures. You find out what to do in various situations, of course, but also what Crystal Reports will do in response. This approach to procedures helps ensure that you always know what to expect as you navigate Crystal's interface. Coverage of formulas is particularly good, shedding some light on a subject that sometimes causes new Crystal users to stumble. The SQL tutorial material is quite strong as well, teaching you the essentials effectively. This book will be a big help as you extract data from databases and prepare it for use. --David Wall
Topics covered: Crystal Reports 8 for novice and intermediate users; how to manage database tables with Crystal Reports, with emphasis on extracting information from databases, performing calculations on it, and presenting the results as reports and graphics; reports; subreports; drill-downs, SQL connectivity; and Crystal's function library.
Book Description
Create presentation-quality reports that make a point and make decisions easier. This friendly guide shows you how to design database reports that tell a clear, compelling story -- from simple one-table displays to integrated presentations with all the bells and whistles. Whether your firm uses Access or dBASE, Oracle or Sybase, this book is just what you need to get more done with your data.
Customer Reviews:
Great Beginnings.......2002-07-06
After reading so many of these book reviews and wondering if they were accurate, it's time to contribute, help others and affirm that reviews regarding this book are indeed accurate.
While I resented buying anything that says ..."for dummies" on it and have absolutely avoided doing so in the past, I must say that when I got my hands on this particular dummies book I was pleasantly surprised. While the others are mindlessly verbose for filler, this one is not. The writer sticks to what you really need to get started using this powerful application.
It's was a classic situation: I needed a fast start and had to produce something useful in an unreasonably short timeframe. It worked. I've used this book as the starter and also purchased "a very heavy" book for the advanced work I yet need to do. It's a useful two-pronged approach that works. Thanks to Doug Wolf for some very nice, concise work!
Great Tutorial - Goes way beyond the Manual's Tutorial.......2002-03-13
If you want a great Tutorial on how to use Crystal Reports 8.0 or 8.5 this is the book for you. Once you get a good feel for the product and you need to delve into more complex reporting needs and scenarios the product manual would be your next step... or other reference books such as CRYSTAL REPORTS 8.5 - The Complete Reference, published by McGraw Hill/Osborne.
Just what it sounds like...a good beginner book.......2002-01-28
Well this book is just what it professes to be, a book for the people who said "I've got this big program, now what?" It'll get you going on creating your first reports and getting productive on Crystal reports rather nicely and quickly. Especially if you already have reporting tool experience (just as simple as knowing how to use MS Access reporting tool or something else) you'll find it so easy to follow along!
However if you're a power user, such as an Enterprise administrator or developer looking to add Crystal Reports data to your apps this book won't completely satisfy your needs, be prepared to step up to one of the more complete references after you're done with this book. Still though you'll want to start here.
(Just as a side note: the price for Crystal Reports 8.5 the Complete Reference is cheaper here at Amazon.com than anywhere else including shipping).
Great for a quick tutorial.......2001-10-04
This book is fine for the casual user of Crystal Reports. It has good examples and directs the reader firsthand through some of the really tough topics, like drilldown and cross-tab reporting. While it is an excellent introductory book for the novice, I really can't recommend the book for a more professional user. The book lacks the depth of content required for such a complex tool as Crystal. The book for that is Peck's "The Complete Guide to Crystal Reports 8". The thing this book really lacks for the casual user is possibly a section on conversion of earlier versions of CR to version 8. Otherwise, it is an outstanding way to dive right in to report building the Crystal Reports way.
Great Update to Crystal Rpts 7.......2000-09-21
Continuing the high standards set in "Crystal Reports 6," Wolf makes fast work of learning and using Crystal Reports. The updates in the books clearly coincide with updates to the software while giving beginners immediately useful tips and tools.
Average customer rating:
- Does what it sets out to do...
|
Crystal Reports 9 for Dummies
Allen G. Taylor
Manufacturer: For Dummies
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Sams Teach Yourself Crystal Reports 9 in 24 Hours
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ASIN: 0764516418 |
Book Description
Crystal Reports 9 is the latest in a long and celebrated series of report writers for personal computers. It's by far the best-selling report writer package in the world. If you want to produce a top-quality report quickly, Crystal Reports is the top choice to do the job.
And Crystal Reports 9 For Dummies will get you using Crystal Reports quickly and effectively. It covers all the major capabilities of Crystal Reports but doesn't bog you down in intricate detail. It is also valuable to managers who may never personally produce a report, but have oversight of people who do. This guide will tell you what is possible, what you can do easily, and what takes a little more effort to accomplish.
In Crystal Reports 9 For Dummies, you'll discover how to
- Create a report, what a good report should accomplish and what it should look like.
- Make your reports more focused, more readable, and easy on the eye.
- Nest one report within another, p ull report elements from multiple non-database sources, and illustrate points with charts and maps
- Distribute your reports – from printing, exporting them to files, or faxing them to making them available on a local area network, or uploading them to the Web.
- Incorporate Crystal Reports into applications written in a computer language. Because Crystal Reports is included as an integral part of Microsoft's .NET application development environment, you can incorporate the power of Crystal Reports into applications you write in Visual Basic, Visual C++, and Visual C#.
With Crystal Reports 9 For Dummies, you can produce reports fit for the eyes of the organization's CEO. Each chapter deals with an individual feature that you may need at one time or another. In many cases, step-by-step procedures are given for commonly needed operations. You might find it worthwhile to lay the book beside your computer and perform the operations as you read about them. Soon, you'll be producing outstanding reports with a minimum of effort and in the shortest possible time.
Customer Reviews:
Does what it sets out to do..........2005-03-18
I bought this book when I had to teach myself how to create basic reports via CR9. It got me through that painlessly, and saved my company the $1,000 they would have had to pay a live instructor for Report Design I.
But remember, it is a starter book for beginners. After about a year of successfully using the knowledge gained from this book, I took the Business Objects Report Design II and III instructor led classes. I learned I made the right decision regarding the Level I class, as this Dummies book covered it well.
Book Description
Tips on writing to consumers and business-to-business
Create captivating, results-oriented, sales-generating copy
Need to produce winning copy for your business? This fast, fun guide takes you through every step of a successful copywriting project, from direct mail, print ads, and radio spots to Web sites, articles, and press releases. You'll see how to gather crucial information before you write, build awareness, land sales, and keep customers coming back for more.
Discover How To:
- Write compelling headlines and body copy
- Turn your research into brilliant ideas
- Create motivational materials for worthy causes
- Fix projects when they go wrong
- Land a job as a copywriter
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding!.......2007-01-10
Easy to read and easy to apply. I have a whole new thought process for copy on our website and brochures. This is a can't miss book for rookies!
Complete, practical, engaging guide.......2006-09-20
I've been a copywriter for 14 years, most of the time as a freelancer. I've also been a senior copywriter for an advertising agency and worked in the creative department for a major newspaper.
This is the first book on copywriting I've bought in several years, and I'm now the newest fan of Jonathan Kranz's "Writing Copy for Dummies." Mr. Kranz has written an excellent book for the novice or pro, providing a complete, common-sense guide that covers the full range of marketing communications (including PR). Whether business-to-consumer or business-to-business, direct-response or branding, print or online, for-profit or non-profit, it's all there in an engaging writing style and easy-to-digest format.
After being in the freelance trenches for many years, I know how far-flung assignments can be. It's invaluable to have an all-encompassing reference to reach for when I need knowledge in non-specialty areas. In fact, just last Friday I reviewed parts of Chapter 17 in preparation for a fundraising project with a major university.
Some of the material might be a refresher for veteran marketers. As for me, I'm glad to benefit from a fellow pro's perspective on marketing and copywriting topics. As I told Jonathan via email, "I'm glad you took the time to write this book."
A Helpful Guide.......2006-07-20
This book is for a non-writer who needs to write advertising or marketing for his company.
The material is comprehensive and includes many good tips. A couple things to note--
1. The focus is on style and construction of materials (e.g., how to put together a direct mail piece), not on grammar, style, and construction of words.
2. Most of the book covers B2C marketing, not B2B.
All the advice is tried-and-true. If you follow it, you can't go wrong.
Written for business owners, not copywriters .......2006-05-10
Kranz opens with a brief and witty definition of copywriting: "[it] attempts to persuade you to do or believe something-usually in regard to the surrender of your cash," then he launches into an explanation of the different things copy can do-everything from direct mail to branding to sales support; an explanation of "the basics" that is exactly that; and a truly step-by-step guide to writing sales letters and brochures.
Sidebars chip in along the way, occasionally offering a true gem, like the real difference between website headlines and their printed counterparts. And Kranz tells you why you should never waste your time and effort on a MISSION STATEMENT.
Based on the number of notes in the margins of my copy, I've found the chapters on websites, collateral, problem solving and "looking for ideas" the most helpful. Kranz also gives a detailed breakdown of what goes into a direct mail package, that should be enough to get any beginning mailer off to a promising start.
There are many books written about copywriting, that are aimed at business owners or the unfortunate folks who get stuck writing copy for their company because they once correctly used "presume" in an email. The nice thing about this one-and "nice" is a good word, because Jonathan Kranz is nothing if not a nice guy-is that it's a book about copywriting that doesn't assume non-copywriters know all the copywriting jargon and secrets. It takes its "For Dummies" title seriously, and that's a good thing.
Successful x-mas present for a job hunter.......2006-01-26
I bought this book for a good friend of mine, a skilled creative writer, but with little experience in writing professional copy. Like most creative types, he was looking for a job to support his writing and other artistic habits. With the help of Kranz's book, he was able to land a well-paying job that makes use of his talents, suitably focused by the advice in Writing Copy for Dummies. If proof of the pudding is in the paycheck, I can vouch for the effectiveness of this author's approach and suggestions for aspiring professional writers.
Book Description
Let’s face it, a lot of technical documentation reads as if it had been translated into English from Venutian by a native speaker of gibberish. Which is annoying for you and expensive for the manufacturer who pays with alienated customers and soaring technical support costs. That’s why good technical writers are in such big demand worldwide. Now, Technical Writing For Dummies arms you with the skills you need to cash in on that demand.
Whether you’re contemplating a career as a technical writer, or you just got tapped for a technical writing project, this friendly guide is your ticket to getting your tech writing skills up to snuff. It shows you step-by-step how to:
- Research and organize information for your documents
- Plan your project in a technical brief
- Fine-tune and polish your writing
- Work collaboratively with your reviewers
- Create great user manuals, awesome abstracts, and more
- Write first-rate electronic documentation
- Write computer- and Web-based training courses
Discover how to write energized technical documents that have the impact you want on your readers. Wordsmith Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts covers all the bases, including:
- All about the red-hot market for technical writing and how to get work as a technical writer
- The ABCs of creating a strong technical document, including preparing a production schedule, brainstorming, outlining, drafting, editing, rewriting, testing, presentation, and more
- Types of technical documents, including user manuals, abstracts, spec sheets, evaluation forms and questionnaires, executive summaries, and presentations
- Writing for the Internet—covers doing research online, creating multimedia documents, developing computer-based training and Web-based training, and writing online help
Combining examples, practical advice, and priceless insider tips on how to write whiz-bang technical documents, Technical Writing For Dummies is an indispensable resource for newcomers to technical writing and pros looking for new ideas to advance their careers.
Customer Reviews:
I guess the clue is in the title.......2006-02-21
I regularly have to write short technical notes, and occasionally contribute to larger manual-writing projects. I am literate but have had no formal training in technical writing. I imagined that this book would serve as a useful tool to improve my skills in this area, and it is certainly advertised as being aimed at beginners and professionals alike.
Unfortunately, it seems to have been written for an absolute beginner; in fact, at times I thought it was written for an eight-year-old child. Near the start of the book, the author recommends that you write your name on it clearly in case the book goes missing. If this is the kind of handy hint that you find useful, then the rest of the book will not disappoint you. Throughout it is written in a condescending, overly chummy manner, as if the author is trying to get a two year old to eat a Brussels sprout. I hope I never have to wade through any technical documents written by her if this is the style she usually employs to get ideas across.
There are sections that are entirely useless and have presumably been added in to pad out the book (the useful points could certainly have been boiled down to a small pamphlet). For example, there is a lengthy chapter on 'using the internet to perform research', which roughly equates to a 'how to use google' guide. Helpful.
Ultimately, this reads like it was written to make a fast buck. I really couldn't recommend it to anyone, unless you actually are an eight-year-old child putting together a manual on building a sand castle, in which case, this book's for you. But even an eight-year-old wouldn't benefit from the bit abuot using the internet...
Well, it's just another book..........2005-01-14
Having been a technical writer for 20+ years, I once again was surprised that someone failed to convey what it's really all about. While it does have some sections that are "worth while," overall, it's just too basic and more in keeping as a college level read. What it boils down to is that 'real technical writing' is a combination of ability, skill, and experience - none of which can really be taught in a book!
Strong on content, but a bit weak in presentation........2003-01-17
As an experienced technical writer already, I bought this book as a general desk reference. It has been a helpful guide when I needed to check something in particular, but I would not use it as a "course textbook" if I was learning the trade.
Generally, the content is excellent - it covers all the basics a novice tech writer needs to know. However, I question the way the content has been organized and presented... it doesn't follow a logical order. There's a section on editing, then a section on brainstorming and figuring out how to start writing, and then later on it swings back to proofreading. Ideally, the information should be presented the same way the writing process generally works: brainstorming, writing the first draft, THEN proofing/editing, and so on.
I also found the short section on "preparing the technical brief" inadequate, considering planning and scoping out requirements is THE most important phase of any documentation project. And for some reason, this information is buried in the "understanding your reader" section, when it should be a separate section all its own (as information about your audience forms only PART of a project plan).
The author has included a few too many personal experiences in this book - understandably she wanted to inject some fun into what could be pretty dry reading material, but her style sometimes comes off as too "cute".
Overall, this book contains a lot of excellent content - the structure and presentation just need to be re-tooled for maximum effectiveness.
Dummy.......2002-11-27
The title of this book should read "The Autobiography of a Technical Writer." Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts' career, although auspicious indeed, is not what I was looking for in a manual. I became so exhausted reading her personal triumphs that I decided not to become a technical writer. The book contains nothing of substance, nor does it give any pertinent information on the realities of skills necessary (less "soft skills")for a junior writer to crack the program-specific job market.
Excellent Introductory Text.......2002-10-25
This book is the best introduction to technical writing I have seen. It utilizes all the skills it teaches, which makes it easy to read and understand. If you are taking a technical writing class at school or college, this is a great book to read before you begin. If you have a technical writing background, this may not be the best text for you, but it is always a good quick reference guide to have on your shelves. Definitely a worthwhile investment.
Book Description
Writing is an invaluable communication skill in almost every aspect of business. Yet so many of us -- though we do it day in and day out -- aren't satisfied with our writing abilities and continue to find it difficult to put words to paper. Business Writing For Dummies comes to the rescue! Equipped with Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts' sage and friendly guidelines and her Six Steps of effective business writing, prepare yourself to be a great business writer!
Customer Reviews:
Not the answers you need.......2002-02-12
Alas, if only it were this simple really. This text purports to offer expert advice on letters, proposals, presentations, and more. It does deliver average tried and true tricks but whether this advice is "expert" is debatable. The information on writing memos and letters provides generally useful advice about white space, headings, and using simpler words.
But the advice provided on more in-depth issues, such as cutting the length of sentences, is limited. For instance, to cut the length of sentences, one is to look for compound sentences (find the conjunctions), and break the sentences into components. More useful advice about collapsing ideas into dependent clauses or eliminating redundancy is not discussed in detail or illustrated.
The advice about using a variety of fonts and boxes could cause inexperienced writers to go astray and litter documents with visual clutter that will distract from the message. Worse is the lack of any real solid advice on using graphs and charts. The examples are cluttered and offer some of the worst elements of visual design such as hard-to-follow legends, pie charts that consume paper and ink but yield little information, and a hopelessly confusing figure. A suggestion to use "a strategically placed red bar" runs counter to business etiquette of remembering that quite a few people suffer from some degree of color blindness.
One of the better parts of the book, Enlightening Letters, does provide easy to adapt examples of simple business letters intended to help solve simple problems. Likewise the chapters on proposals and reports will help the neophyte up to a point.
Still, there is enough OK advice scattered through the book to make it a useful low-level introduction to business writing. Keep in mind that all corporate cultures vary, too, and assessing what is acceptable in your workplace will still be essential. My advice is to keep this book in your desk drawer when needed or read it at home. You'll learn more by examining the work of the seasoned pros down the hall and picking their brains over lunch (and consider picking up the tab).
Of immense practical help to people in business today.......2000-12-01
In writing this dummy's guide to business writing, the author has given us readers the verbal tools with which to build our careers with confidence and competence. It provides expert advice and loads of practical tips on writing effective letters, memos, reports, proposals, presentations and more.
Of special interest are the three whole chapters devoted to writing eloquent e-mails and on using proper Netiquette, subjects not covered in most other books on business writing available in the market today.
This book is actually serves two purposes for it not only provides help on business communications that is applicable to any language, it also is a guide to the correct usage of the English language, of course, with particular reference to business usage. Of immense practical help are the four Appendices on punctuation, grammar, abbreviations and spelling. While English spelling can be quite a headache, the simple rules provided do help you make sense of the numerous variations in English spelling.
This book is highly recommended for people in business today who intend to be the leaders in business tomorrow as it is useful to a spectrum of readers from large company managers to fresh graduates just entering the business world. It has an excellent blend of practical basics, advanced concepts, and skilled insight that will make them better communicators.
Sheryl Lindsell-Roberts, MA is a marketing communications specialist, training consultant and author of more than a dozen books.
Among other things, Azlan Adnan, MA is a tutor at Excel Tuition Centre where he teaches English to secondary school students and Business English to adults. He previously taught Business Communications at the School of Management, Royal Holloway College, University of London. He holds a Master's degree in International Business and Management from the Westminster Business School in London. He may be contacted at Tel: +6088-383 526 E-mail: azlan@azlan.org
Very practical, very helpful & easy to use..........2000-10-19
True to its title & carrying name, the book is really made easy - user friendly - for those people who find instructional materials too tedious & boring. The book's layout easily catches the readers' attention by using those brief catch-up tips. It does not only cover the standard letter writing but also electronic etiquettes rather e-tiquette, which most of us often overlook in this modern stage of technology.
I am not saying you quit reading the 'real' instructional brochures/books/materials but this book supports them all -- made easy --- very complementary.
Very Helpful.......2000-09-15
This book has a little bit of everything...business letters, envelopes, thank you letters, press releases, ads, newsletters and more. It doesn't go really deep into any of them, but it gives you the fast food idea of all of them. Very very helpful. I keep it on my desk...you never know what you will have to write.
Follows in the For Dummies Style.......2000-06-26
Business Writing For Dummies is a great source of information, layed out in an easy to use way. It covers everything from business letters to email in a light easy to read manner. My only complaint is that there should be more sample letters to go with each chapter, aside from that, it is useful and never talks down to the reader.
Book Description
Do you wish that you could cut your writing time in half and double the impact? Do you worry that your business communications are fuzzy and ineffective? Do your letters get results or just get recycled?
Add
zing to your writing with Writing Business Letters For Dummies.
Get the secrets of powerful letter writing and sidestep the ten reasons that letters can fail. Communicate with savvy, cut your paper glut, and proofread like a pro. Discover easy, step-by-step methods to craft correspondence that gets results, or try our ready-to-use letters and e-mail messages for all business occasions.
From beginning (how to write an effective e-mail subject line) to end (remember to sign your name), Writing Business Letters For Dummies is your guide to clear, persuasive business letters.
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