I originally wrote this blog post because I have noticed, as the federal government has gotten more “startuppy,” the language in the articles covering Startup Gov enterprises has started to get more buzzwordtistic, more tech startup delirious. To the detriment of sense. We can stop this, people. We can, and we should, because at aRead… Read more »
The internet is an amazing advancement in our do-it-yourself world. We all love being able to go to Amazon or Google or a government website and get it done ourselves, without human intervention. When we go into a store, we don’t like that salesperson who asks, “Can I help you?” We don’t want anyone toRead… Read more »
Web Manager University, the federal government’s training program for web, new media, and citizen engagement managed by GSA, has changed its name to DigitalGov University (DGU). We changed our name to reflect the growing demand to help agencies serve customers through digital media and citizen engagement. Our broad curriculum includes training in social media, citizenRead… Read more »
I’ve said this hundreds of times: if we don’t communicate effectively, we don’t serve effectively. It’s as simple – and as difficult- as that. If customers can’t understand what you have to offer, can’t understand where to find it or what they’re supposed to do with it, then they can’t use your services. And you’veRead… Read more »
11/29 – Plain Language Basics12/9 – Plain Language Writing for the Web Plain Language Basics This seminar will provide an update on plain writing principles and the law. If you write content for external customers and the general public—press releases, emails, articles, newsletters, etc.—this seminar is for you. You will: Gain a better understanding ofRead… Read more »
With all of the hoopla about the Plain Language Act, the Government Man thought this would be a perfect opportunity to spread some wisdom and of course hype his own creation. In my book, Confessions of a Government Man, I devote an entire chapter to “Language of Government.” Maybe our lawmakers read it prior toRead… Read more »
Thanks to all of you who provided support for our research for www.plainlanguage.gov. We are trying to understand as closely as possible what Government thinkers need to know (about plain language and clear writing legislation. Here’s the background/reason for our research n 2006, my students reshaped the site www.plainlanguage.gov. Our purpose at that time wasRead… Read more »
Last month, President Obama signed into law a bill that tells Uncle Sam to speak and write plainly. The bill echoed Obama’s executive order in May instructing agencies to write job announcements in clear language. Unfortunately, one smart-ass TSAer at BWI airport didn’t get the memos. Happily, her supervisor did. The New York Times reports:Read… Read more »
What is government 2.0/gov 2.0? How do we define it? Is it the same as open government? Is it about technology? Is it about culture? Is it a buzzword or marketing hook? Is it a word people throw around to seem smart and hip? Well, I am not sure what the answer is to anyRead… Read more »
For citizens, a visit to your website might be the only interaction they ever have with your agency. A bad experience on even one government website is a poor reflection on all of us. Is your website showing your agency, and the government, at its best? Writing content in plain language is the most importantRead… Read more »