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I agree, but when you're given a new interface, and only about THISMUCHTIME to deliver the documentation for it, knowing and understanding something comes in second to writing it up and handing it over.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-g -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-g -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of William Sherman
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 2:08 PM
To: Lauren; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Re: Has anyone noticed...
Btu when I first started technical writing, we did develop the information.
Today's tech writer is frequently more a reporter than a writer, especially
a TECHNICAL writer. Back then, we had to be technically in tune with the
product, we had to know it, we had to understand it, and we were the ones
that provided a check and balance with the engineering staff, who frequently
put mistakes in documentation.
The technical writer churned out of most colleges and universities today
would never recognize a technical inaccuracy and pass it right on out to the
customer.
We knew the product, we went to engineers for engineering changes, and we
pulled it all in so that we were the only ones who had information from all
points: each system, each engineer, each designer, each tester, and so on.
We were the subject matter experts. Today in school, they teach that the
engineers and the programmers are the SMEs and that tech writers simply
interview them.
> On 6/13/2011 4:47 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:
>> "Information Developer" -- ?
>
> As a technical writer, you are not supposed to "develop" the information,
> but to convey it.
>
> "Information Conveyer"?
>
>
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