TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Frequently Asked Questions And The Answers We'd Like To Give
Q: How do I unsubscribe from TECHWR-L?
A: Post a job ad without submitting it to the listowner.
Q: How do I make MS Word act like FrameMaker?
A: You don't. Buy FrameMaker.
Q: How do I make FrameMaker act like MS Word?
A: You don't. Buy MS Word.
Q: I have a Journalism Degree but I can't get a job that pays as much as
working in fast food. How do I break into Technical Writing. I hear you
make good money.
A: Well isn't that just tough, Fry Breath. You should have thought of that
while you were partying and the Geeks were studying.
Q: I have an English Literature Degree, and I can't get any kind of a job.
Can I break into Technical Writing?
A: No, you have to be able to write.
Q: How do I keep people from reading copyrighted material without my
company's permission?
A: Don't publish it.
Q: How come when I ask a question on the list I get so many contradictory
answers?
A: You assume there is one right answer. There rarely is.
Q: How come when I ask a question on the list I get so many vague and
ambiguous answers?
A: It depends.
Q: Why is it that I send a question to the list, but nobody answers it?
A: How many emails do you want saying, "I don't know?"
Q: I asked the list their opinions on using "How to make a peanut butter
sandwich" as an exercise in a presentation I'm about to make. How come I'm
still receiving death threats?
A: Don't push it.
Q: I want to use a serif font, but my boss insists I use a san serif font.
What do I do?
A: You have a boss who knows fonts?
A: Think about it: Who signs your checks? Who writes your review? (Take
your time; I know this is a difficult one.)
Q: We're writing documentation to be put in binders. Which is better:
3-hole, 5-hole, or 7-hole? Or is there something else we should use?
A: Go with a red binder. They're more attention-getting and your users
might not lose them as quickly.
Q: Why don't I get the respect I deserve as a valued contributor at work?
A: Maybe you don't whine enough?
Closing Remark:
The above was intended to be humorous (or humourous) and light-hearted. I
was not poking fun at any one individual. For the record, I have TWO
degrees in English Literature.
