RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken

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

> From: Dan Goldstein

> Based on the archives, I'd say that most Whirlers already have
> considerable knowledge outside the discipline of writing, and 
> they also
> work to expand that knowledge.

I agree with that.  I tend to think that if I approached nearly anyone on
this forum and debated some issue about technical communication and then
said, "What do you do you know?  You're just a technical writer,"  I would
have my ego served to me on a platter.

Not that I wouldn't debate issues, since I have a little habit of doing that
anyway, but I would never say that somebody who holds the title of technical
writer is somehow inferior because of the title.

A technical writer is a writer, although the profession requires a great
deal of non-written work and a good deal of education and experience that is
not related to writing.  The position of copywriter requires less industry
knowledge and perhaps even a lower degree of writing ability.  A copywriter
may not be a "technical communicator," per se, but a technical writer must
be a technical communicator.

> (I prefer not to debate the use of "lifestyle" and "constantly.")

Ahhh.  Thanks for avoiding that potential flame war.

Lauren

> > From: David Hailey 

> > ... When I suggest that we be technical communicators, I 
> > am not suggesting that we call ourselves "technical 
> > communicators." I am suggesting we adopt lifestyle like 
> > Leonards and JagDrivers, where we are constantly 
> > expanding our knowledge outside the narrower discipline 
> > of writing, into the broader discipline of communication. 
> > The difference is not in name -- call yourself anything 
> > you want.  The difference is in lifestyle.
> > 
> > Dave

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