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White Paper
Purpose
To understand the genre of writing a white paper.
Background
Like most professional documents, white papers often serve the purpose of informing and persauding. The emphasis on either one of these purposes will be determined by the desired outcomes from the document. To effectively accomplish these outcomes, the writer should clearly discuss the problem or issue that needs the audiences' attention. The rest of the document explains how to understand, address, or resolve the problem or issue.
Generic Features
Use the generic features described by Royce Hoggan on TECHWR-L (Tue, 12 Dec 2000 ) to format your paper.
Formal White PapersThere are two different types of formal white papers: Information Papers and Decision Papers. They are very similar but have a slightly different focus. Typically, they address the same audience.
Information Paper
1.0 TOPIC
This portion of the paper includes introductory information such as the document name and the producer of the document. In white papers with hyperlinks, this section may contain links to similar papers, sections within the paper, and the company website.2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a brief abstract of what will be discussed in the white paper. It explains what the reader will learn if they continue reading.3.0 BACKGROUND
The background often explains why the document was created. Sometimes a short company or product history is included.4.0 INFORMATION
This section is the meat and potatoes of the document. It is structured accordingly to accommodate the audience and the company's defined goals.5.0 REFERENCES
If applicable, references are provided.Decision Paper
The decision paper is designed to help the targeted audience make a decision regarding the subject of the document. It is similar to an RFP. It is organized into the following format.
1.0 REQUIREMENT/PURPOSE/ISSUE
Contains all the data included in the Introduction, as well as any questions the paper attempts to resolve.2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a brief abstract of what will be discussed in the white paper. It explains what the reader will learn if they continue reading.3.0 BACKGROUND
The background often explains why the document was created. Sometimes a short company or product history is included.4.0 ASSUMPTIONS
The assumptions section contains issues and concerns regarding specific details about the item presented in the document. It can also contain any predefined or presupposed agreements between the audience and the publisher. This section is not always required.5.0 CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES
The criteria used for evaluating alternatives depend on the topic of the paper, and the solution provided to the audience. This section is not always required.6.0 ALTERNATIVES
This section compares the topic of your paper with other existing solutions. Here, you can point out strengths in your item by identifying weaknesses in competing items. This section is not always required.7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations may include what strategy the targeted audience should take concerning the items presented in the document.Casual White Papers
Casual white papers often take the form of an essay. In business, they often take the appearance of a technical marketing brochure.
These guidelines should be considered when creating casual white papers:
1. Length: a white paper should be concise, since it strives to globally explain the mechanics of a given concept or item. Its primary aim is not an end-user tutorial.
2. Standards: since a white paper is meant to be succinct, its layout should be simple and clear. Some authors occasionally append a short glossary at the end of their white paper.
3. Content: a white paper should present the elements inherent to a given concept or item, and explain why
Samples
American Memory White Papers
NASA developed white papers for Biodiversity working groups
http://www.earth.nasa.gov/outreach/biodiversity/appendix3.htm
Council of Economic Advisors