‘This is a triumphant moment for all those who support plain language use,’ said Dr Annetta Cheek, Chair of the Center for Plain Language, long-time advocate for plain writing. ‘The Act defines plain writing as writing that the audience can understand and use because it is clear, concise, well-organized, and follows other best practices of plain writing.’
- You can see:
the official statement by the White House Press Secretary at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/13/statement-press-secretary - the full text of the Act at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgibin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h946enr.txt.pdf.
I sincerely hope that the Plain Writing Act of 2010 represents a landmark in moving towards greater understanding by American citizens of their government. And where there is not greater understanding, let there be greater ability to take government to task whenever and wherever its pronouncements, directives, and instructions do not make sense. I run the Honest Government blogs (at www.ConservativeWords.com) and have been encouraging governments to use editing software to improve their writing skills (see www.StyleWriterForGovernment.com).
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