TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
1. Advanced studies of physics, biochemistry and motion analysis have revolutionized sports training and coaching. Talent still counts, but the things that can be taught/learned have changed profoundly because of academic research. (Don't believe me? Watch The Discovery Channel.)
2. I've been doing casual research in Art history and archeology. These fields are being totally transformed by molecular science, electroflouroscopy, X-ray techniques, etc. The overlap between scientific research, technological tools and the humanities is huge and growing. It's impossible to predict how future research might impact future technical communication.
3. Mark Baker wrote: "There is a fundamental difference between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge, and the way they are gained. The tacit knowledge that informs human performance in so many areas of life is developed not by the study of theory but by love and diligent application."
Yet, one of the primary goals of technical communication is to transform tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. Why should technical communication require an apprenticeship when the success of technical communication can be measured by the degree to which such communications can eliminate the need for an apprenticeship?
