I need a wordsmith.

One of my tasks is to update/rewrite a Tech manual. It was written in 1953 but was too technical for the guy in the field, rewritten in 1990 but was too general.

I have some nice new photos, cut it up into sections for the guy in the field vs the Technician or QC Inspector and other changes.

Here's my problem: Remember when GW was running the second time, polititians & radio talkers used the word "gravitas" a lot. They don't really know what it means, but it was passed around.

In this manual, looking a crack in metal, it is referred to as "insipient cracking".

The problem is that people allegedly in the know use the word insipient like it has some merit in defining a crack or metallographic anomaly. I want to break the cycle.

Am I confused about this word's meaning?

Origin: 1375–1425; late ME < L insipientia foolishness, equiv. to insipient- s. of insipiēns foolish (in- in- 3 + -sipient-, comb. form of sapient-

"Insip´ient a. 1. Wanting wisdom; stupid; foolish. " So they were just kinda swearing at it? ... "insipient cracking" ="Stupid cracking"...

I was going to say, "stoopit cracks".

I guess the question is how do they want the crack described. It is obvious it is not a crack with intelligence, so describing it as one that lacks intelligence would reflect upon the writer as such. I think I would refer to the crack as a deviation in surface continuity. To test the deviation in surface continuity I would advise performing a stress examination with a field operated impact generator.

RossD wrote: "In`sip´i`ent a. 1. Wanting wisdom; stupid; foolish. " So they were just kinda swearing at it? ... "insipient cracking" ="Stupid cracking"...

Two definistions, both saying in essesne- stupid cracking.

In my carrer as an engineer, I've seen some things that were disparaged, but used really fancy words to disparage it. And the name stuck.

I would not be surprised at all that the person who came up with insipient cracks DID really mean "stupid" cracks- out of frustration.

That is SO funny.

Eric

John Brown wrote: ITo test the deviation in surface continuity I would advise performing a stress examination with a field operated impact generator.

Hit it with a hammer? Got it!

"I'm a lyrical gangsta"

I think they meant incipient, not the archaic insipient (which I believe is closely related to insipid)

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incipient: beginning to come into being or to become apparent

Makes a lot more sense than "stupid cracks"

There we go again, Tim ruining the website with logic.

Thanks Tim. I never saw that definition but "stoopid cracks" makes a lot of sense.

As a nondestructive test guy, a crack isn't a crack until someone with the credentials deems it as such, until then it is "a discontinuity in a magnetic field."

I want to cut out some of this argument inciting verbage.

Thanx, Dan

Too change the direction this is heading in. Wording is the biggest challenge in tech writing. You need for it to be enough info without implying the reader is mentally challenged. I have been and still do some tech writing for military helicopter maintenance manuals. I found the hardest is when someone submits a recommended change. Most of the time it's already covered, they just didn't know where to find it. Sometimes it's just a stoopeed idea. Now the challenge is telling the guy it's stupid without calling him stupid to his face.

Sorry for the rant, just got out af a lo-o-ng meeting with higher up brass.

Aim it at a 10th grade reading level, can't go wrong.

What started all this is someone condemning equipment on a literal interpretation. His supervisor overrode that decision which didn't go well. The guy hired a lawyer, sued the boss and we're off in the rhubarb....

Tim's got it on the definition - rookie crack. Orientated is a favorite of mine - actually means to face the East.

When writing for the general public, a few ad agencies put out guidelines for copywriters to aim for a 5th grade comprehension level. Aim low unless you're sure of your audience's education.

"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein

Incipient Floozy!

oldtin wrote: "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein

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