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Subject:Re: Value of Techwriters From:David Demyan <concord -at- IX -dot- NETCOM -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 2 Jun 1995 07:06:15 -0700
Ronni Perry wrote:
>I have to acknowledge that I have a somewhat different slant on this issue.
>Technical communicators are rapidly becoming
>much more than writers. We are emerging document engineers, and, with a
>sufficient body of research, will become acknowledged
>as such. I think we should sell our services on this level, to the extent that
>it's true. In other words, if we apply a systems engineering
>approach to document development and production, then we should be given the
>same level of respect as an engineer receives --
>we're just from another engineering discipline.
Ronni: Two arguments:
1) I don't think we get any more money or respect if we call
ourselves (or portray ourselves) as *engineers* than if we
stick to our roots -- professional writers. I offer my own
experience as proof (I've earned as much and gotten the same
level of respect).
2) I for one would never want to approach document development
(notice how the writing aspect is minimized by this phase name)
as a typical systems engineering project. While most project
development efforts are highly disciplined and we can learn a
lot from their application, the work is different. Technical
Writing is vastly different from engineering (or software
development).
I believe we minimize our work if we try to emulate our esteemed
engineer brothers and sisters. I got into this profession
for the precise reason that I am distinct (and wish to be
regarded as distinctly different) from one who practices
an engineering discipline.
Hold the flames; I know this has already been hashed to death
on the list. Ronni's post is different from the ones I saw
over the last few months (died down recently) and I believe
my response is different (and reflects personal opinion).
Regards,
Dave Demyan *** Mendem Concord, Inc.
(908) 753-8500 *** One Mountain Blvd.
concord -at- ix -dot- netcom -dot- com *** Warren, NJ 07059
FAX: (908) 754-8224
