A month ago, I had no idea how to write a white paper. I was hired by a public relations company because of my outstanding writing skills. I say this realistically. I have many faults, but modesty has never been one of them. The problem was that I didn't know what is white paper. I had never heard of it before. I was able to slide through the interview, pretending to be in the know without ever asking what is a white paper. It could have been anything. All I knew was that I would be required to write white papers as my principal job duty from now on, and that it paid big bucks.
Looking back, I am glad that I never asked what is white paper. White paper, you see, is very simple. It is essentially an informative paper written by an expert to advertise a product. When you write a white paper, you show the need for the product by giving some background. You propose a problem that has existed for a while, and then show how the product solves whatever problem you propose. So what is white paper? Essentially a report with an agenda.
The amazing thing is that many people, even once they find out what is white paper, seem to have trouble with it. To me it is the easiest thing in the world. Every high school essay, every college term paper, every elementary school book report that I have ever given has prepared me for writing white papers. Nonetheless, some of my underlings still ask me what is white paper. Some of them have even consulted Internet sites claiming to help you learn how to write a white paper. I have never seen anything so ridiculous in my life! These are trained professionals, men and women who are supposed to have excellent communication skills. They should not have to ask anything about what is white paper! They should be able to fake their way through it like the professionals they are.
The problem is that what is white paper depends on who you are working for. Almost every boss has a different definition of it. Some want something seriously informative. For example, if you are writing for the board of directors, a white paper should be heavy on the facts and background information. If, however, you are writing for the general public, a white paper should be as light and fluffy as their heads. It all comes down to one thing: know your audience!
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