How to start a grant application: BLUF

Bill Wadge says the best way to start a grant application is with, "I have an idea, here it is, and here’s why it’s good." He laments that too often the opening is, "I have an idea but first let me give you some background..

Can the Fed write better?

Which statement is written better?

"This action supports the Committee’s view that sustained expansion of economic activity, strong labor market conditions, and inflation near the Committee’s symmetric 2 percent objective are the most likely outcomes, but uncertainties about this outlook remain,”

or

“The Committee weighed arguments for and against cutting interest rates, considering the state of the economy, labor markets and inflation. The majority found the arguments favoring a 25-basis-point cut today more persuasive. But the Committee sees no case for further rate cuts unless the economy weakens or inflation starts to fall. Absent either such change, we expect to hold interest rates steady in the near future. The future is always uncertain, however, so we stand ready to reconsider this decision should circumstances warrant.” 

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-fed-should-speak-english-for-a-change-11578355141?mod=opinion_lead_pos10

Writing Well is Difficult

This article in the WSJ (Oct. 2019) describes the problems the SEC is having getting financial advisers to write well.

Hints on how to a good proposal

Writing Proposals Well