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Subject:Re: What does a tech writer do? From:Tom Johnson <tjohnson -at- GRANDTRAVERSE -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 9 Sep 1997 13:23:57 -0400
Dale and Debbie and others,
Technical writers/communicators change complex information into
something simple and usable. In a nutshell, that's it. There are
zillions of ways to do that. Some communicators write manuals, some
documentation is online, some is spoken. We use audio, video,
photography, art, you name it. Technical communication is a diverse
field. Not only do you learn about communication, but you also have to
learn about your subject or product.
In my experience, technical communicators are asked to do all sorts of
things from writing manuals to creating marketing materials to
conducting employee training and polishing annual reports to being
considered the resident expert on whatever word processors people use in
your office.
It is a diverse field, it is exciting and always changing. Apparently it
is also a growing field. More and more companies are finding it
necessary to hire competent communicators.
By the way, if you are looking for a good place to take technical
communication classes, Michigan Tech is a great school.
--
Tom Johnson
tjohnson -at- grandtraverse -dot- com
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