Reading Response: Guide to Writing a White Paper

Submitted by RachelNa on Fri, 07/18/2008 - 19:00.
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For a while now, I have still been a little unclear as to how exactly a white paper is supposed to be written. After reading these sample white papers, I have a much better idea of what they should look like, and the type of information that should be included. From this, I have come up with a list of some important things to note when writing a white paper.

First, it seems that all white papers are very structured. They have an Executive Summary in the beginning, to briefly describe the information that will be included, and then they have an intro, the main body of information, and some sort of concluding section. This structure is logical and easy to follow. The body section of the paper is well divided, and boldly labeled. That way, if someone is searching for specific information, it is easy to find. Appendices are sometimes included when there is a lot of important information that does not necessarily need to be included in the text.

Next, the word choice and the terminology of a white paper is clear, and not too advanced. Often, white papers are written for those who do not have too much familiarity with the subject matter, so terms are used that the average person can understand.

Also, the appearance of a white paper is very important. The layout should be clear and easy to follow. It should make good use of the white space on the page, leaving blanks where appropriate to give the reader a break. Graphics are very useful tools when it comes to presenting information, and should be implemented when it makes sense to do so.

One final note is that not all of the information about a particular topic needs to be covered all the time. It is important to understand the purpose of the white paper, and who will be using it, so that the white paper focuses on the necessary information.

Still Learning

Submitted by apotter on Mon, 07/21/2008 - 20:10.

I was not sure what a white paper was supposed to read like or how one was supposed to be structured either. Reading these samples and other white papers that I found online has helped a bit. I have a better feel for white papers too, but still, now that we have started on our first draft - I feel a little nervous again! I get the basics of white papers, but since I have never done an actual white paper, it feels a little weird. In a way, I feel like it is going to look really good and professional and spot on; and then again, I still feel a bit worried and nervous about it.
The executive summary part of it is actually quite familiar to me because all of my lab reports here at Purdue have required one. I agree that the appearance is very important too. It will be somewhat difficult meshing all of our different sections into one paper and trying to keep similar format and a 'good looking' layout, but I think once it is all said and done - we will all have a better feel for white papers and feel comfortable writing them in the work place when that time comes. And that is the goal of this class is it not!