White Paper: Planning Guide

1. If you've not already done so, review the white-paper readings above.
2. By now, you have read different perspectives on white paper and seen different examples of them. In the space below, define the white paper as you understand it, as you are rerquired to write by your organization, or both.
   
3. Describe the mechanism or process that is the focus of your white paper (for example, if it's a new device that improves wifi communication):
   
4. Explain the problem or possibility for improvement that your white paper addresses (for example, weak wifi signals over longer distances):
   
5. Describe the audience you expect to read your white paper—especially in terms of their technical level, expectations, and preferences (for other products) and how you hope they will react:
   
6. Describe the advantages, benefits, improvements that would arise from implementing the mechanism or process that is the focus of your white paper. Also, address the likelihood of those positive outcomes:
   
7. Describe the problems or hazards associated with presenting the positive aspects of the focus of your white paper (for example, making false claims or alienating certain readers):
   
8. Make a list of the headings and subheadings you expect to use in your white paper:
   
9. Make a list of the graphics (images) you expect to use in your white paper, briefly describing each (including the decorative ones):
   
10. Make a list of the tables, pie charts, column or bar charts, line graphs you think you might include in your white paper:
    
11. If you think that these white paper will require some introductory discussion of theory, explain that in the box below.
    
12. Make a tentative list of the information resources you may need to write your white paper or cite in your white paper—including nonprint resources such as interviews and site investigations:
    

Please include a cover-sheet note or footnote describing the needs and limitations of your audience for your cwhite paper.

For your white paper:

• Make your white paper as clear, readable, and understandable as possible. Avoid telegraphic writing style: omitting "understood" words like a, an, the, simple verbs.
• For the introduction to your white paper, use the suggestions in the introduction chapter in the online textbook as applicable.
• Make sure you use the format for headings that is standard in this course.
• Make sure you use the various types of lists in the standard format for this course. In particular, use numbered vertical lists as the format for the steps in your white paper whenever possible.
• Use the standard format for notices (format for notes, warning, caution, and danger notices in the standard format for this course.
• If you include graphics (images) in your white paper, use the guidelines in the graphics chapter. Use the format that is standard for this course (for example, standard labels, titles, cross-references). The chapter does not address decorative images, which seem common in white papers. Include them as you see fit.
• On a cover page to the white paper, include a brief note describing the audience of your white paper. Indicate information about the skill or knowledge level of your audience, and other details that affect how you develop your white paper.
• Indicate the source of any information you borrow using the guidelines provided by the documentation chapter.
• As with all writing assignments in this course, use the standards of good writing style, grammar, punctuation, usage, and spelling. Of course!
• Name your file with your handle and _white paper, for example, davidmc_white paper.docx.

Caution: Keep a safe copy of this and all other assignments. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt from your instructor, doublecheck with your instructor.