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I used to single source context sensitive online help in a .NET and Java
environment plus printed using press for hardcover perfect-bound user
manuals. I have worked creating online PDFs plus context-sensitive
online help with no printed output.
For what I was doing with software, the STC wasn't a great resource,
though I was a member and a chapter officer. Some concepts, such as the
fact that you can print color images using one ink were misunderstood at
the society level, and the understanding of structured workflows was, at
that time, maybe not now, secondary to ad-hoc, traditional,
formatting-based content.
Currently, I write mostly hardware documentation. And do some Website
design. And some four-color artwork for press.
For what I am doing now, the STC provides more information and
understanding of communication about hardware, but not so much about
using color in print and online work. And, I've figured out the hardware
documentation to a degree that the STC seems to offer nothing ahead of
my learning curve.
Cheers.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+sbrierley=accu-time -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+sbrierley=accu-time -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of fritillary -at- gmail -dot- com
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:01 PM
To: Bonnie Granat; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Software Writers, ACM -WAS- Definition of Tech Writer
I have to say out of all those contributing to this topic, I agree most
with Bonnie.
My experience in tech writing is this: I specialize in online help and
software manuals, so when I hear the term "technical writing", what
comes to mind - to me personally - is learning about software and
writing the Whys and How-Tos for describing software functionality. I
love it, it's like a form of translation, from engineering docs to
language for users to make the most of the software product.
Who else here specializes in software documentation? Just curious.
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