Tech writing vs Marketing writing (Conclusion)

[Thomas Horton <tscom003 -at- DUNX1 -dot- OCS -dot- DREXEL -dot- EDU>]

The responses to my initial question of technical writers being drawn into
the realm of marketing were great. The main piont of many of the responses
are as follows;

Technical writers reporting directly to marketing pros.

I see the line between technical writing and marketing writing to be very,
very, blurred.

Provide the customer with what they want, even if it contributes to marketing.

I wrote manuals for the markleting department.

Tech writers explain the high-tech better, and charge less.

As some who is a TECHNICAL MARKETING SPECIALIST.

One respondant hates people in stiped jackets and plaid ties,so phase
positivley but leave the BS at home.

Each is explicit to its own field, but tech writers market high tech better.

There is a common motivation shared by each to believe in product.

Everyone is a team player on the same team, pass me the ball.

Glossies that provide better tech info make the sale.

The primary intent of the info.

The overseas difference and how they see marketing non-sense on the horizon.

I've seen more and more marketing styles in manuals....

Please excuse any misinterpretation of the messages, I attempted to keep
the context intact and make it simple. The result is that many technical
writers are indeed marketers. Some are directly involved and some are on
the sideline.Some don't know there in the game. A few are overseas and some
dislike the idea.In any event the reality is real, technical writers are
selling. I feel it is important to know your
position on the team, how the game is being played and who is on the
receiving end.
Next, lets see if we can stir up a conversation on the ethical concerns of
the technical writer turned techincal marketer.