Re: observation of tech writer status
Hmm. This discussion sounds so familiar... :-)
Why does this discussion (which returns more times than Dracula or Frankenstein) always descend into reductio ad absurdum?
Whenever someone suggests that strong technical knowledge is needed,someone is sure to exaggerate the claim past all credibility.
Yes, realistically, few people have time to be expert in everything that a tech-writer is concerned with. However, personally, I don't think that fact excuses me from learning as much about these things as possible.
If nothing else, I want to learn as much as I can. Partly,that's just the way I am. But it's also a way to make the job more interesting. Moreover (and, let me stress, I speak only for myself, and not in judgement of anyone else), for me, making excuses for my lack of knowledge would amount to acknowledging my own mediocrity - and my self respect won't let me do that.
b) I would be doing mostly other stuff than my first love, which is to write about it all.
This is another logical fallacy that keeps creeping into this discussion. You don't have to choose between technical knowledge and writing skills. Having one does not exclude the other. You're paid to have both.
--
Bruce Byfield bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com 604.421.7177
http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield
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Trembling in the dark cloak of night
Candles and lanterns are dancing, dancing
A waltz on All Souls Night. "
- Loreena McKennitt, "All Souls Night"
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Re: observation of tech writer status: From: Kevin McLauchlan
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