Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken

Subject: Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken
From: "Bill Swallow" <techcommdood -at- gmail -dot- com>
To: "Collin Turner" <straylightsghost -at- gmail -dot- com>
Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 12:31:36 -0400

That's all well and good, but that comprised about 10% of my total job
function when I was a technical writer.

We place a lot of emphasis on the types of work we do but not nearly
enough on the reason why we do it. In that light, 'technical writer'
vs. 'technical communicator' means nothing if in the end employers are
looking for skills and not returns. And I agree with Gene's comment
about employers possibly overlooking 'technical communicators' when
they're looking for 'technical writers'.

Just because the scope of what we do changes over time does not mean
that there's a sudden urgency to change the title, particularly if
that change is poorly communicated out to those who absolutely are
affected by it. And of that audience, the last who needs to know are
those not remotely concerned with the job role, followed closely by
technical writers.

On Wed, May 14, 2008 at 11:29 AM, Collin Turner
<straylightsghost -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote:
> My daughter just calls me a "Typer". People seem to understand that...

--
Bill Swallow
HATT List Owner
WWP-Users List Owner
Senior Member STC, TechValley Chapter
STC Single-Sourcing SIG Manager
http://techcommdood.blogspot.com
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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.


Follow-Ups:

References:
RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken: From: Michael West
RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken: From: Dan Goldstein
RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken: From: David Hailey
Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken: From: Gene Kim-Eng
RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken: From: David Hailey
Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken: From: Gene Kim-Eng
Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken: From: Collin Turner

Previous by Author: Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken
Next by Author: Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken
Previous by Thread: Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken
Next by Thread: Re: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken


What this post helpful? Share it with friends and colleagues:


Sponsored Ads