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.
Subject:Re: Not sure who I'm looking for... From:Ed Wurster <glassnet -at- gmail -dot- com> To:Dick Margulis <margulisd -at- comcast -dot- net> Date:Sun, 22 Jan 2006 11:39:28 -0500
Dick Margulis wrote:
> So I know I need to find someone who is patient and skilled at
> extracting information from a difficult SME and who can work
> face-to-face with her in LA for the several days it will take to extract
> the information from her. But what I don't know is what technical skills
> I'm looking for in terms of the best way to represent an expert system.
I would look for a systems analyst rather than a tech writer. I'm sure
there are other job descriptions for this type of person. I found one
description for architect at http://tinyurl.com/83jdx.
Before the functional spec you would like someone to filter all of
those great client ideas, define solutions, look at the feasibility,
and so on. It sounds like some of this was done (the flow charts you
mention), but that could be very dated info. If you or I look at the
existing flow charts, how would we know if the system would deliver
its goals?
Now Shipping -- WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word! Easily create online
Help. And online anything else. Redesigned interface with a new
project-based workflow. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l