Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken

[Ned Bedinger <doc -at- edwordsmith -dot- com>]

Sam Beard wrote:
>    An apt analogy, in many respects. I agree that you shouldn't stop
> researching until, at the very least, you get the answers you need. What
> I'm wondering about is the difference Lauren was trying to make between
> outside research and (presumably) "inside" research. Does this refer to
> research outside of the normal parameters of the job and the information
> "necessary" to do the job? What exactly constitutes such a thing? How
> does one know which is which?

I don't want to assume the risk of defining business writing to this group!

About outside research:

Suppose the boss told me to write a presentation for the budget makers, 
laying out the 'lease or buy' option for a fleet of corporate jets.

I would go to the Business library to look for published analysis of 
costs, cost benefits, non-monetary considerations, and the entire range 
of appropriate considerations. I'd also look for references to limited 
distribution subscription reports, and other data I could use.

The cost of acquiring such information and keeping it up to date makes 
it less likely to be something every business keeps available, but when 
they need it, nothing else will do, and research is indicated. I'd 
probably allow that to be called outside research.

I haven't set foot in the business library since I became a technical 
writer. What I've offered is my best understanding, but I may not have 
covered everything relevant to the topic.

Discusrsively or not,

Ned Bedinger
doc -at- edwordsmith -dot- com
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