Beyond the Mechanical: Technical Writing Revisited
http://www.jacweb.org/Archived_volumes/Text_articles/V5_Iyasere.htm
  peer-reviewed

Iyasere, Marla Mudar
JAC
1988

Abstract:

Optimism about the future of technical writing can be sustained only if we persist in setting for technical writing the same standards we apply to other sophisticated modes of writing and require refinement in style as well as accuracy in content. The importance of content in technical writing, of the information presented, may seduce us into seeing technical writing as purely a form of language engineering and into teaching our students to perform mechanical writing tasks, churning out dull reports to fit mindlessly into the institutional norms of industry and government.