RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken

["Lauren" <lauren -at- writeco -dot- net>]

> From: Gene Kim-Eng

> Peoples' sense of identity regarding their work is inseparably
> tied to what they do and what they are called.  Tell writers
> who identify as technical writers and write about banking
> procedures that what they do is not technical writing, and you
> have told them that they are not technical writers and are not
> entitled to their identities, including the job titles that they have
> worked to qualify for. Imagine for a moment that I proposed a
> definition for the role of technical writer that excluded what you
> do, whether you think it's technical writing or not.  Did you
> really think you could do that to someone else without starting
> a controversy?

I never stated nor suggested that technical writers were not technical
writers because some of their writing is business writing.  I never got into
the discussion about the validity of a person's job title.  My discussion
has always been focused on the fact that business writing is not synonymous
with technical writing.  There are different classes of writing and one
writer can write in each class.  

A technical writer can produce some business documentation without giving up
the title of technical writer.  Anyone who writes a procedures manual is
performing technical writing because procedure manuals fall under the class
of technical writing.  If that person also prepares a financial summary,
which is business writing and not technical writing, then that person has
not relinquished the title of technical writer, but has incorporated a style
of writing that is not technical writing.

Lauren


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or 
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007 
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more.
http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList

True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com

---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- 

To unsubscribe send a blank email to 
techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/archive%40web.techwr-l.com


To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com

Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/ for more resources and info.