TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Re[2]: I'd rather teach an engineer to write than a writer t
Subject:Re[2]: I'd rather teach an engineer to write than a writer t From:"Arlen P. Walker" <Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 25 Apr 1995 16:27:00 -0600
Writing is not as easy as many people think. And it can't be learnt
overnight. An engineer may learn to write at an acceptable level in a
clear and concise manner, but he may never be able to write like a
technical writer if he doesn't have the talent for it.
I thinkwe may have two types of Technical writers, just as Ted Sturgeon used to
talk about two types of Science Fiction writers. "There are SCIENCE Fiction
writers [he numbered Robert Heinlein among those] and Science FICTION writers
[among whom he counted himself]."
I think the TECHNICAL Writers believe it's easier to teach writing than
technology, while the Technical WRITERS think it's the other way around.
It seems very much to depend upon which element of the craft you place the most
emphasis upon.
Have fun,
Arlen
Chief Managing Director In Charge, Department of Redundancy Department
DNRC 124
Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- Com
----------------------------------------------
In God we trust; all others must provide data.
----------------------------------------------
