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.
I'm one of those without a tech background. For me, getting to the
understanding of the technical stuff is one of the major joys of tech
writing. The second major joy is crafting text that makes the technical
gibberish understandable to the audience.
I love to learn new stuff and I love to pass it on to others.
Do I pass?
-Karen
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+kmurri=comcast -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+kmurri=comcast -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of
elizabeth j allen
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 11:52 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: The Tech in Tech Writer
In light of the recent discussion surrounding breaking into the tech writing
field, allow me to share the following:
I recently started a new job with a multi-national semiconductor company.
I was introducing myself to yet another coworker today when he asked me if I
had a technical background.
"We've had several tech writers here who didn't have a technical background,
and, oh man, they just couldn't catch on." The shake of his head, slump of
his shoulders, and expression on his face told the story.
These writers were unable to grasp the technical dimensions of the material
they were supposed to be writing about. As a result, the company suffered
and the reputation of technical writers as a whole suffered.
Plus, I get the joyous task of convincing skeptical professionals that all
tech writers are not useless.
For those of you trying to get into technical writing, please take a moment
and ask yourself why. "Because I can make more money in tech writing" is
*not* a good enough answer.
If your answer is along the lines of "Because my friends are
nerds/geeks/engineers/techies and I love to hang with them and play around
with new technology, plus I love to read and write and play with words,"
chances are you are in the right place. If not, do yourself and us a favour
and consider another career direction.
WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word features support for every major Help
format plus PDF, HTML and more. Flexible, precise, and efficient content
delivery. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Easily create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to any popular Help
file format or printed documentation. Learn more at http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as kmurri -at- comcast -dot- net -dot-
WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word features support for every major Help
format plus PDF, HTML and more. Flexible, precise, and efficient content
delivery. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Easily create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to any popular Help file format or printed documentation. Learn more at http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- infoinfocus -dot- com -dot-
