Suggests that new computer software enables writers and technicians to compose graphs that rival those made by professionals. Suggests that professional and novice users of such software either intend to distort data and manipulate readers or do so out of ignorance. Describes and illuminates seven types of distortion in graphs. (PA)

Points out that desktop publishing is a metatechnology that allows professional writing students access to the production phase of publishing, giving students hands-on practice in preparing text for printing and in learning how that preparation affects the visual meaning of documents. (SR)

Describes a technical publications course in which students learning how to use desktop programs also gain an understanding of the principles of design and layout by using mechanical paste-up techniques. (NH)