[Stylist] Accessible tools

Thu Oct 3 18:05:59 UTC 2019

Lynda,

Definitely interested to learn how your friend is using it.

B

From: Stylist <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Linda Lambert via Stylist
Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2019 11:27 AM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List' <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: llambert at zoominternet.net
Subject: Re: [Stylist] Accessible tools

Bridgit, I’ve not used it for a couple of years –  I used the free version for a few months – the free trial - and it worked fine for me because I have some vision and could see  enough to use it with my ZoomText.  I’ve thought recently that I would like to get it again – but have not done so. 

I can forward your note to my friend if you want to ask her how she uses it – I am assuming she still does. L.

From: Stylist <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Stylist
Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2019 9:25 AM
To: 'Writers' Division Mailing List' <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter <bkpollpeter at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Stylist] Accessible tools

Lynda,

First, hello, smile.

Second, what specifically does Grammerly help you with? I’m curious and have wanted to learn more for a while, but like I said, none of the writers I know use it.

Lastly, I would also be interested in hearing from your friend how she uses Grammerly.

Bridgit

From: Stylist <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Linda Lambert via Stylist
Sent: Thursday, October 3, 2019 5:51 AM
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Cc: llambert at zoominternet.net <mailto:llambert at zoominternet.net> 
Subject: Re: [Stylist] Accessible tools

I’ve used Grammarly in the past and liked it a lot. But, I use ZoomText  with speech reader mode on.

I was recently thinking that I’d get it again because I did like it and found it to be helpful and saved me a lot of time.

I have a friend who uses it all the time and she has no vision at all – is very active with blogging and does podcasts,  a prolific author, etc.

So, there must be some way that it is accessible to her. 

If you send me an e-mail request, I can forward it to her and perhaps she can help you.

Lynda

From: Stylist <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Kendra Schaber via Stylist
Sent: Wednesday, October 2, 2019 7:06 PM
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Cc: Kendra Schaber <redwing731 at gmail.com <mailto:redwing731 at gmail.com> >
Subject: Re: [Stylist] Accessible tools

Hi all! 

I’m also looking for good screen reader accessible writing tools. I know of Grammarly but when I looked into it for my writing class, I found out that it’s not accessible. Does anyone know if the other editing tools that were listed are accessible to users of both computers and phones with screen readers? 

"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear", Author Unknown. 

Thank you for reading this email! Also, please note that I have eighth grade spelling. I'm well known for spelling mistakes. Ironicly, writing is one of my gifts. 

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Kendra Schaber, 

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member of 350.ORG <http://350.ORG>  Salem, 

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Using both Gmail and Outlook. 

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On Oct 2, 2019, at 15:35, Brad Dunsé via Stylist <stylist at nfbnet.org <mailto:stylist at nfbnet.org> > wrote:

Bridgit

 Just the tools I mentioned originally: Gramarly, Hemingway, and ProWritingAids. They are tools designed to strengthen copy. They'll identify weaker parts.

They aren't a necessity, but they are tools, similar to how we use spell checkers.

Doesn't sound like there are any accessible options rising to the top.

No problem, just checking.

Brad Dunsé 

Brad,

I also do freelance marketing, just recently finished work on doing copy for a company’s website. During my undergrad many years ago, I interned with a PR firm, providing writing and editing among other things. So, first, this group is not specific to creative writers, grin. I’m also a creative writer but that doesn’t pay the bills, ha.

When I mentioned adjectives and nouns and verbs, it was only because you mentioned it in your initial inquiry. But yes, when writing copy, you don’t generally get super descriptive. You do want tight control of syntax though. But with journalism, depending on the type of journalism, you can be descriptive. I’ve written literary journalism, and you definitely use literary devices including descriptive language.

Do you have a specific tool in mind? There are tools to help with structure and format, essentially templates. But again, others I know in the industry, sighted and blind, just know this; they don’t necessarily utilize these. People and companies do use platforms like Google Docs and Quip, especially for group projects. Publisher is another tool, but this is again more for production purposes, lay-out and all that.

Of course, for PR and marketing and journalism, AP style is generally used. I used to have an accessible AP style guide but it’s old and outdated; I now just refer to Purdue Owl’s website.

Sorry if I’m not providing answers. I guess I’m not completely sure what your asking. Do you mean editing tools? Like a device or software that can help edit? I’ve heard of Grammerly but have no experience with it, nor do I personally know any writers or copywriters who use it.

Bridgit

From: Stylist  <mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Brad Dunsé via Stylist
Sent: Tuesday, October 1, 2019 9:51 PM
To: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Stylist  <mailto:stylist at nfbnet.org> <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Brad Dunsé  <mailto:lists at braddunse.com> <lists at braddunse.com>
Subject: Re: [Stylist] Accessible tools

Hello Brigit,

Appreciate that, your perspective being studied and all.

My bad for not saying, but the purpose wasn't so much for prose or literary writing.

I'm a direct response web copywriter. 

Writer is probably a misnomer. We're more idea communicators than writers.

Admittedly, that is the opposite end of the sphere to this list, and questionable whether I should be on it really. But, I thought to ask anyway since it is a list of blind writers, just in case.

I do have a group of peers I can run copy by for feedback. That's not an issue.

Plus, I've been writing for a bit now.

Even so, it's courteous to have the best copy possible before asking, since they are taking their valuable time to read it.

As good as we in this industry might think we are, trained and all,  A List copywriters use these AI tools everyday in their writing to tighten copy.

Mobile viewing has put more pressure on tighter writing. Frankly, plump use of adjectives, as beautiful as they can be, often have little place in this type of writing. Unless one can reduce word count without  appearing flowery.

I'm not in a position to presume I'm better than my mentors, earning  several hundred thousand a year doing what they do best. Or even someone such as yourself, MFA in writing. So, I'm looking for accessible tools they use, or equal to those tools to make myself a bit more competitive in my trade.

If it works for them, it can work for me.

Maybe that shines a little more light on it.

Appreciate the feedback.

Brad Dunsé 

<image001.jpg>

Brad,

Generally, writers just understand style and grammar. There’s not really a tool other than your own mind and the mind of fellow writers to know, notice and provide feedback on these things. I have my MFA in writing and know several published writers, and each of us has studied, formally and imformally, how to write and the process of writing. In addition to simply knowing what to look for in your writing when revising, it’s good to have a small, close-knit group of fellow writers who can help in the revision process, which includes style, format and grammar.

And BTW, adjectives are a good and necessary part of writing, but the best writing relies on strong nouns and verbs to “punch up” the writing, grin.

Bridgit

From: Stylist  <mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> <stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Brad Dunsé via Stylist
Sent: Tuesday, October 1, 2019 7:50 PM
To: Writers' Division Mailing List  <mailto:stylist at nfbnet.org> <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Brad Dunsé  <mailto:lists at braddunse.com> <lists at braddunse.com>
Subject: [Stylist] Accessible tools

Hello List,

Looking for accessible tools equal to Hemingway, Grammarly, or ProWritingAid? Or, if there are scripts or setup to make them more accessible.

Do you use any tools for style, grammar, reduce passivity, reduce unnecessary adjectives, and make your writing  punchier.

Thanks.

Brad Dunsé

<image001.jpg>

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