RE: ...impersonating a technical writer...

["Murrell, Thomas" <TMurrell -at- alldata -dot- net>]

Please deliver us from "the true sense of the word."

Elaine, I can understand your confusion.  Sometimes when I read this list
I'm not sure I'm a Technical Writer, at least according to what I read from
some listers.  Stick around for awhile, and I think you may come to the
conclusion that the Technical Documentation Profession is an eclectic
grouping of tasks.  In fact, some on this list maintain that we're not a
profession at all, probably because of that very eclecticism.  However, as I
have tried to say in the past, if the checks are good and you like where you
work and what you are doing, what is there to complain about?  (For what
they pay me, they can call me the "dumb English major" for all I care.)

However, I do admire your desire to expand your horizons and your skill set.
Your post mentioned that you have a licensed version of FrameMaker that no
one is using.  Why not take the opportunities that present themselves to
learn it?  Check the TECHWR-L web site for references to books that can help
you with the learning process.  Don't wait for permission; "it is easier to
get forgiven than it is to get permission."  (I'd love to cite the
originator of that saying, but I haven't a clue.  It remains one of my
favorites.)

Tom Murrell

> ----------
> From: 	e.ruddock[SMTP:e -dot- ruddock -at- home -dot- com]
> 
> My job title is that of Technical Writer, but I am quickly learning that I
> am not (in the true sense of the word). I "fell" into this job directly
> from
> university two years ago, and now I can't imagine doing anything else. I
> love it!! But... my current position more closely resembles that of a
> documentation specialist than a tech. writer.
>