Comment by edw519

Source of my problems:

  design issues               5%
  architecture constraints    5%
  language shortcomings       1%
  mental blocks               5%
  personal time management    4%
  personal energy             5%
  communication with others  75%

I waste more time just trying to figure out what others are trying to say, sometimes in person and by voice, but mostly in writing. For most emails, I have to click "reply" or call back simply because what you're trying to tell me is so unclear. I think the last time I received a written specification I could actually work from was in 2002.

This isn't a problem of education, country of origin, or any other demographic: almost everyone sucks at writing. It's a real problem.

I suppose the best antidote to poor writing is more writing, especially on-line. Don't be bashful because as OP says, your readers won't be.

Thanks OP for the one "please" post this week that everyone can benefit from. (Did I just end that sentence with a preposition? Need more practice.)