RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken

["Cardimon, Craig" <ccardimon -at- M-S-G -dot- com>]

> From: "Cardimon, Craig"
> 
> > I'm not doing the labeling. The people I asked did.
> > Technical Writer wasn't denigrated. The word "Communicator"
> > is, however, confusing to people. "What do you mean? Oh, you
> > mean a writer. Well, say it, then." I'm sticking with Writer.
> 
> Yes, if you mean writer, say it. And if you mean communicator, say it.
> Because many write but few communicate.
> 
> Those who are "confused" by "communicator" can be educated. Those who
> think
> writing and communicating are the same thing probably cannot.
> 
> --
> Mike West
> Technical Communicator (and what have you)

Pretty much. I come from a newspaper background where I wrote headlines
using the least number of words possible. We were always severely
limited in space. 

When I tried something clever or maybe the humor was slightly forced,
the general manager would call me on the carpet, and ask me what I was
trying to say. When I told him in very plain English, he would tell me,
"Just say that." That boss was my toughest, but I learned the most from
him. 

Are we communicating or are we writing? Are we communicating through our
writing? It is for each of us to decide. Sales people sell in their own
unique ways, but they are all called sales people because they sell.

Are we writers or communicators? Do we write or communicate? Both, if
we're lucky. But what should we call ourselves?

-- Craig (still a writer, but somewhat flummoxed)

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