Re: Subject Matter Expertise-YES! Attack Iraq-NO!

["bryan johnson" <bryan -dot- johnson -at- motoman -dot- com>]

I think I agree with Mr. Plato's assertion that, as a writer of software manuals, you need some level of subject matter expertise. The syntax and language is simply too esoteric for anyone from the outside to adequately grasp from simply interviewing SMEs. 
One of the most important skills a good technical writer has, is the ability to abstractly think of scenarios the end user may find themselves. I don't see how you can do this (when writing software/programming manuals) if you don't have at least some familiarity with the end user's world. Now, that said, there are plenty of writing assignments where anyone with intelligence and the ability to think abstractly can firmly grasp the subject matter and place themselves into the position of the end user by simply interviewing SMEs. I just don't think writing technical software/programming manuals is one of them.

Just my two cents,

Best Regards,

Bryan K. Johnson
Technical Communications Specialist
Motoman Inc.
(937) 847-3407

"Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity."
- Hanlon's Razor


>>> Andrew Plato <gilliankitty -at- yahoo -dot- com> 02/27/03 03:11AM >>>




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