(Scroll down for my list of Top 10 ERP White Paper Buzzwords!)

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As managing editor for TEC’s white paper site, I receive a wide variety of reader comments, ranging from lost password requests to queries about white papers on particular (sometimes very particular) subjects.

The other day I received this e-mail, titled “Meaningless White Papers”:

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The white paper—a wonderful little piece of literature chock full of thought provoking insight and informative prose—got its start many years ago, long before there were computers in every office and home around the world. Back then, the white paper was a way for individuals to discuss their positions on a specific topic, but was predominantly used by the government. Today, white papers are a staple for many technology websites around the world—including ours.

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Laws a’mercy, now that’s what you call a flame war.

The White Paper Pundit has taken direct aim at our Top 10 Most Ambiguous White Paper Buzzwords, decrying our use of the word “tool” to refer to so-called software “solutions.”

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This Is For All Us Writers Out There: Oh, and All Us Readers Too!

Do you ever feel like you need a jargon buster just to understand what some companies are saying about their software products?

I know I’ve needed one, and often still do.

I am a content writer and editor for TEC and the learning curve was pretty steep when I started. I mean what is functionality, scalability, dynamic lead time, run time, and then there are features and functions…enough to boggle the mind!

How many people really know what these words actually mean?

Not what they think these words might mean or what they sound like they mean in a certain context, but what they really and truly mean.

Well, it’s part of my job to know. And if I can’t explain it in plain English, I can’t use it.

And how many times have I read a white paper and realized that if all the buzzwords were removed it would be half the length (and comprehensible).

I’ve collected some great examples along the way.

Here’s one:

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Editors’ Picks: Vendors submit. We review.

… white papers from whitepapers.technologyevaluation.com.

White paper: Why One Number Is Not Enough

Editor A (the nominally genial one)
This one caught my eye as it crossed our desks a while ago.

“What number?” I asked. “A hundred? One? Pi? Do tell me more.”

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