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Business & Technical Writing/Questions
| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| Writing help. | 2/7/2012 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: I need to re-write this better and would be greatful if you could suggest a re-write: First line: ... A: I'm not going to do ANYTHING until you (a) read this: http://bit.ly/r0Rvmj, (b) disclose your name ... | ||
| hyperlinks in texts | 1/17/2012 | Dan Smith |
| Q: is it appropriate to divide hyperlink reference/citation (just as information listing) for example ... A: Normally, hyperlinks should not break across a line if you want them to be real hyperlinks. But ... | ||
| Related numbers | 11/7/2011 | Leslie |
| Q: One general business writing rule I follow involves related numbers. I follow the rule that all ... A: Holly, This question frequently comes up. The answer depends on the style manual you are using. For ... | ||
| Citing web sites in-text | 9/2/2011 | Dan Smith |
| Q: Smith: I would like to know how to do parenthetical citations of web sites. I do alot of writing ... A: Citation styles vary with different style manuals, although in the US most such manuals ultimately ... | ||
| Minute taking | 8/12/2011 | Leslie |
| Q: I have a question about taking minutes at a board meeting for an organisation (I'm the secretary). ... A: Mathea, If you are asking for rules about writing minutes for meetings, I have not seen any. Most ... | ||
| cc...pc...ec? | 6/23/2011 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: How do you properly identify that a letter is being copied to another person? When I graduated 31 ... A: Fascinating conversation, Molly. YOU have taught ME some things this morning. Let me elaborate. 1. ... | ||
| cc...pc...ec? | 6/22/2011 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: How do you properly identify that a letter is being copied to another person? When I graduated 31 ... A: Molly-- Glad to help. If the document is a 'memorandum' (To:, From:, Subject:, Date:), add Cc: ... | ||
| Business / Formal Letters and Content Writing | 6/16/2011 | Leslie |
| Q: We are planning for IT Outsourcing Company, we will be providing services and support on different ... A: Mohammed, I would suggest you hire someone to help you with your project. Presenting your company ... | ||
| Business / Formal Letters and Content Writing | 6/16/2011 | Dan Smith |
| Q: We are planning for IT Outsourcing Company, we will be providing services and support on different ... A: You need to hire someone who can write. I might be able to help with this, but as it is a big ... | ||
| grammar | 5/6/2011 | Leslie |
| Q: What is the correct written form to says it's 6 a.m. It is: 6a.m. (no space after six and small ... A: Don, You should check the company or school style manual for the final word on the correct format ... | ||
| Case Study :: How to Proofread like a Pro : Tips for creating the Perfect Document | 5/6/2011 | Dan Smith |
| Q: You’ve carefully revised and polished your document, and it’s been sent off to the word-processing ... A: I assume you want me to correct this sentence. Application of these methods in stores in San Diego ... | ||
| grammar | 5/6/2011 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: I am curious on consistency when writing numbers. When you have a phrase such as, "This $50,000 was ... A: That's a great question, Kelly, and I'm delighted you asked it. As I always do on these kinds of ... | ||
| capitalisation | 2/3/2011 | Dan Smith |
| Q: I am involved with writing about Zhineng Qigong theory. (Qigong is similar to Tai Ch'i.) I would ... A: Once the concept for the terms is introduced and defined in the essay, it is neither necessary nor ... | ||
| capitalisation | 2/3/2011 | Dan Smith |
| Q: I am involved with writing about Zhineng Qigong theory. (Qigong is similar to Tai Ch'i.) I would ... A: Just because a term is backed by a theory does not make it a proper noun. I would not capitalize ... | ||
| tor? | 1/11/2011 | Kaylyn Anderson |
| Q: What is Terms of Reference? Can you kindly explain where would one use Terms of Reference? I have ... A: Terms of Reference refers to a document (page or two) that explains the project. Purpose (of ... | ||
| long-term care? | 1/9/2011 | Dan Smith |
| Q: Hyphens drive me crazy! Is there a hyphen in long-term care or is it long term care? I think I've ... A: Compound adjectives are an ambiguous area in English. I hyphenate "long-term care". But note that if ... | ||
| Word this differently with better english? help please! | 11/30/2010 | Leslie |
| Q: Can you word this differently? Help please! I have been asked to advise the Office Manager on the ... A: Joe, You have clearly stated what you want to do. Your Office Manager may be upset that you have ... | ||
| Suggestions for report heading? | 11/30/2010 | Dan Smith |
| Q: I am in the process of writing a professional report which forms part of my undergraduate university ... A: First, a couple of notes about your writing here. It should be "an HP ProLiant BL20p G4 Server," ... | ||
| "corporate" usage - follow up question | 11/23/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: Is it okay to use "corporate" in the context of state/governmental agencies? For example, the ... A: Kris, somehow you submitted the identical question to me twice. If I don't reply to both of them, ... | ||
| "corporate" usage - follow up question | 11/23/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: Is it okay to use "corporate" in the context of state/governmental agencies? For example, the ... A: Kris. The additional information is extremely helpful to me. Still, I'm not sure that I have any ... | ||
| "corporate" usage | 11/23/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: Is it okay to use "corporate" in the context of state/governmental agencies? For example, the ... A: I'm confused, Kris. IS the name of the agency the "Corporate Secretary and Public Affairs Department ... | ||
| Have you ever "broke / broken" a promise? | 11/17/2010 | Dan Smith |
| Q: I'm not sure if I should use the word "broke" or "broken" in the following sentences? 1. Has someone ... A: Broken is correct in each case. You can get the full conjugation of all English verbs from several ... | ||
| Letters addressed to two individuals | 11/11/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: Assuming you prepare ONE letter addressed to two separate individuals at different addresses, do you ... A: Victoria-- Great question. Thanks for posting. Print two originals, sign both in blue ink, and ... | ||
| communication | 10/20/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: kindly provide me the correct usage of email while using for business communications? is it e-mail ... A: Ananda, I'm sorry this took a few days. I do this for free, and I had two small projects to finish ... | ||
| Usage of the expression "in one lump sum" | 10/8/2010 | Kaylyn Anderson |
| Q: I'm confused about how to use the expression "one lump sum", in the context of buying something. Are ... A: I'm chuckling at the moment, and I'm not sure where to start. "Paid in full" usually means a. I had ... | ||
| Collaborative writing platforms ? | 8/6/2010 | Leslie |
| Q: I need multiple writers on a project. I want them all to be able to see the entire document - BUT ... A: Gareth, I do not use Open Source. However, several people I know do use it, and it functions like ... | ||
| Collaborative writing platforms ? | 8/6/2010 | Kaylyn Anderson |
| Q: I need multiple writers on a project. I want them all to be able to see the entire document - BUT ... A: I ponder as I write. I'm not sure of a program that will do what you want, but I'll tell you what ... | ||
| technical writers | 6/6/2010 | Kaylyn Anderson |
| Q: This may seem like a silly question, but is it necessary for technical writers to really be into ... A: It's not a silly question, and I answer this with a smile. :-} You do not have to be techno-whiz. ... | ||
| Credit card interest in Bahrain | 5/17/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: This has reference to the first statement dated [date] on my platinum credit card which was issued ... A: John, I wish I could help you, but I do not know how consumer finance is handled in Bahrain. I just ... | ||
| Technical Writing | 5/8/2010 | Kaylyn Anderson |
| Q: I subscribed on a internet site whereby an individual or organization would bid on a project and ... A: com. Your questions somewhat baffle me. You see, you mention that you are a creative writer student. ... | ||
| report writing skills | 5/3/2010 | Dan Smith |
| Q: i am a student of geology in 3rd semister.so i have a problem in biased language.i didn't have any ... A: Biased language is any language that shows bias for or against some group or identity simply because ... | ||
| business communications | 4/8/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: Does a managers leadership style affect his or her communication style? If so, how? Is it possible ... A: Mary, I want to help, but I will not do this for you. You just have to start. Let's say your answer ... | ||
| business communications | 4/8/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: Does a managers leadership style affect his or her communication style? If so, how? Is it possible ... A: Mary. That's helpful. For a class discussion, I think the ideas should be yours, and not mine or ... | ||
| Business Name in Signature Block | 3/24/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: What is the proper format when adding a business name in the signature block under the complimentary ... A: Yes, Mickey, you are dead-on: Company name, usually in all-caps or small caps, signature block, ... | ||
| application letter | 3/24/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: i want to write an application letter for admission in another school for std IX. so its a request ... A: You did a GREAT job, Tasneem. Really. From the tone of your initial posting, I wasn't expecting ... | ||
| application letter | 3/23/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: i want to write an application letter for admission in another school for std IX. so its a request ... A: Tasneem. We all make mistakes, myself included. In fact, I continue to be amazed by the number of ... | ||
| application letter | 3/20/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: i want to write an application letter for admission in another school for std IX. so its a request ... A: Tasneem, I'll be glad to HELP you. I will NOT do this FOR you. I cannot - I don't have the time. If ... | ||
| Simple grammer (vocabulary?) question from an ESL person. | 3/14/2010 | Leslie |
| Q: "The two programs are compatible because they are two different..." (1) ... kind of product ... A: Igor, You will be pleased to know that the syntax of English and Russian are surprisingly similar. ... | ||
| Writers Block | 3/13/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: The main essay on the common app for transfers asks for a statement addressing my reasons for ... A: I don't answer questions marked 'Private.' To do so would set me up to answer the same questikon ... | ||
| copy editing business | 3/9/2010 | Warren D. Miller |
| Q: Miller: I found a previous answer to a family asking about proofreading certification in my search ... A: First, I sincerely apologize for not replying sooner to your post. I am traveling, but I forgot to ... | ||
Business & Technical Writing
Answers by Expert:
Warren D. Miller
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I believe I can answer nearly any question about business writing. That goes in spades if the target audience is a lay readership. I make my living writing and speaking. N.B.: I DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS MARKED 'PRIVATE' because I believe that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. I also believe such questions are likely to be submitted by people trying to cheat. In addition, don't waste your time asking me to write something for you. You don't learn anything if I do that. I'm happy to critique something that YOU write, of course. That's the best way for you to learn how to write well.
Experience
My profession is business valuation, which means appraising businesses whose shares are not publicly traded. This requires in-depth knowledge about a number of disciplines, including economics, finance, strategic management, accounting, anthropology, statistics, and psychology. The left-brain part of me must conduct rigorous research and financial analysis. The right-brain side must then separate what matters from what doesn't and then explain it all in writing (and in everyday English) to people (usually business owners, but sometimes judges and juries) who do not have the expertise that I have been lucky enough to acquire over the years. I love what I do and consider myself fortunate to live in a country where I can do what I love doing and make a nice living doing it. I am glad to help with writing issues, but NOT, please, with any valuation, business consulting, or other non-writing questions.
Organizations
CFA Institute, American Society of Appraisers, Strategic Management Society, Academy of Management, Culver Legion, National Association of Scholars.
Publications
Besides two published books (search for "Warren D. Miller" on Amazon), I have written for the Harvard Business Review, American Fly Fisher, Business Valuation Review, CPA Expert, Academy of Management Executive, CFA Digest, Valuation Strategies, and others.
Education/Credentials
MBA - Oklahoma State U. (1991);
BBA - U. of Oklahoma (1975);
Chartered Financial Analyst designation (2006)
Accredited Senior Appraiser (2006)
Certified Public Accountant (1992)
Awards and Honors
Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year (2001) - American Institute of CPAs
Winner - Oklahoma Humorous-Speaking Contest - Toastmasters International (1971)
Past/Present Clients
Confidential.
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