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At the risk of sounding politically correct, I don't think that
non-technical writers should be called "format monkeys."
A real knowledge of design is a valuable addition to a tech-writer's
skills. A design that's suitable to the audience and purpose increases
the usefulness of the document. Not only can it make the difference
whether the document is even used, but it can make information easier to
find and follow. It can help the company create and maintain a strong
corporate image and add significant value to a product.
However, to do all these things takes a high level of skill. The writers
who have been labelled "format-monkeys" usually don't do any of these
things. Typically, their idea of formatting is very basic, and is
informed by no sense of design whatsoever. Just as they have little
sense of the content, they have very little sense of how to present that
content in a useful way. How could they, when the content determines the
requirements of design? The most they can provide is a generic document
that looks likes thousands of others.
Maybe I'm a little sensitive on the subject because design is one of the
services I offer clients - and, often, one of the services that is most
appreciated because of its rarity among technical writers.
But please don't confuse these mediocre writers with any aspect of
design. Or, if you insist on calling them "format monkeys," please call
those of us who try to combine an understanding of the contents with
design principles "format Alpha Males" (or "Alpha Females," as the case
may be).
--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- progeny -dot- com
"I don't know what they have to say,
It makes no difference anyway -
Whatever it is, I'm against it."
- Groucho Marx in "Horsefeathers"
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