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> I don't usually feel the need to narrowly define what I do, since I
> prefer to describe my job as "anything involving words or graphics". If
> pressed, I tend to define technical writing as writing that focuses on
> teaching people complex concepts, including "how to use something" concepts,
> rather than writing to entertain. I also hastily add that there are enormous
> grey areas in that definition. (I don't consider most marketing writing to
> be technical for that reason: the goal is to sell, not explain or teach.)
I am curious to hear others' thoughts on "technical marketing". Does
"technical writing" have to "teach people concepts"? Doesn't some marketing
explain technical concepts?
And what about press releases or reviewer's guides? These are marketing
pieces, but they can be very techinical.
I think there is an area that isn't quite traditional technical writing, but
isn't really marketing. I consider it a form of technical writing.
Just curious if anyone has thoughts on these areas.
Christi Carew
Technical Writer
christi -at- sageinst -dot- com
p. 831-761-6565
f. 831-761-2452
Sage Instruments
240 Airport Blvd.
Freedom, CA 95019
www.sageinst.com
They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who
only dream at night. -Edgar Allan Poe
