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>
> A tech writer friend and I were talking about ADD (Attention Deficit
> Disorder) the other day and that several tech writers we know have it.
For
> some, it works to their advantage. Others find it to be a
disadvantage. Is
> this a trend among tech writers? Is it a career that people with ADD
are
> drawn to?
>
> So, this week's poll question is:
>
> Does ADD have an effect on your ability to work as a technical writer:
> It has a positive effect - think multitask!
> It has a negative effect - too many distractions
> I... oh, look at that pretty shiny object!
> ADD?! Everyone has that!
> I do not have ADD
> Other/None of the above
>
My response - Other (I'll leave the discussion to wiser minds than mine)
On a related topic:
I recently read that the late Payne Stewart (of pro golf fame) was
diagnosed at some point in his career with ADD. As most avid golfers
will tell you, golf is a game/sport that requires a great deal of
concentration.
Stewart believed that ADD was a blessing in two ways. First it helped
him focus tremendous energy on concentration in key moments of a round:
setting up for a shot, reading a putt or making a critical decision that
could win or lose a tournament. The second blessing was that once the
moment passed, he felt free to allow his mind to wander away from the
game so that he wouldn't worry himself into making a silly error by
over-analyzing the game, the course, the conditions, or the competition.
He could enjoy banter with his caddy, a joke with a playing partner, the
question of a reporter, or the well-wishes of fans without feeling
guilty for neglecting his "job" of the match at hand.
Perhaps those who writers who have ADD enjoy a similar benefit--they
know the energy of concentration required to get through the section
they are writing, and then they allow their mind to freely wander,
leaving them fresher and more relaxed when tackling the next writing
task (or being asked to switch gears to another document or project).
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