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Christi, My take on this question is that with the proliferation of
start-ups in the last several years, there has also been a proliferation of
writers who do double (or triple or quadruple) duty, not just writing
manuals and technical reference materials, but also helping out with
marketing and sales materials, policies and procedures, even business plans,
etc., as is certainly the case in my position. Isn't that what being a
"Renaissance Communicator" is all about? And you're right--increasingly,
"marketing" writers have to be just as adept as "technical" writers at
understanding and analyzing technical information in order to accurately
describe/sell their products. My suspicion is that "technical writer" refers
to such a wide range of work that it's become primarily a term of
convenience that will gradually be phased out in favor of more specific
monikers.
bc
-----Original Message-----
From: Christi [mailto:christi -at- sageinst -dot- COM]
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2000 2:52 PM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Re: marketing chick
I've notice from several posts, especially more recently, that there seems
to be a very distinct opinion that "marketing" is NOT "technical writing".
In a week and a half I am changing companies and jobs. Currently, I do a lot
of the 'traditional tech writing' - user guides, admin guides, etc. My new
job will have much more "marketing" in it - app notes, press releases
(editing them if not writing), specs.
But the new company makes a very technical (electronics and hardware)
product. So even in press releases (for example) there's a lot of technical
stuff.
I too have had the "Oh she's just a marketer" opinion of some co-workers.
But I've also had serious respect for some marketers that had the technical
knowledge.
Where am I going with this? Well, I'm not sure. I guess I'm wondering if
anyone out there on this list is in a more 'marketing-esque' role. Or if
anyone works with marketing people who _are_ technical.
Of if you have any randomly related thoughts...
