Re: What do you guys think of STCs new definition for technical writer?

[linda_sims -at- vanguard -dot- com]

Bill Swallow wrote on 05/27/2008 02:33:51 PM:

> Oh, not at all, but if we can't define it in basic terms, then we're
> overcomplicating the definition, and IMHO working against the whole
> point of our profession in the first place; to explain complicated
> stuff in an understandable manner to those who need to know it.
> Whether we do it with text or images or videos or live presentations,
> that's what we do. We explain things. If we can't describe this in
> simple terms, then we've failed as technical communicators.

That's not a bad definition, you know. Anything more than that is gravy.

"Technical communicators explain complicated stuff in an understandable 
manner to those who need to know it."

My niece would understand that; she has a phenomenal vocabulary. Of 
course, her mom (my bestest friend), is also a technical writer ...

Lin Sims
Business Controls - Technical Writer
The views expressed here are mine and do not reflect the official opinion 
of my employer or the organization through which the Internet was 
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