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I've seen variations of this argument before on this list
(what background makes the best Tech Writer). All it
does is start a rather useless flame war. Let's not do
this again please.
Penny Staples
pstaples -at- airwire -dot- com
----------
> From: John Gilger <bjgilger -at- EMAIL -dot- MSN -dot- COM>
> To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject: Re: SACRED COWS
> Date: March 24, 1998 9:06 PM
>
> Hi Everybody!
>
> Since my last comments regarding writing samples stirred up so much
comment,
> let's shoot at another sacred cow.
>
> It is easier to teach an engineer to write than it is to teach a "writer"
or
> "technical communicator" to understand and explain engineering principles
> and technology.
>
> I have worked with both, as peers and subordinates, and the engineers are
> more productive every time. Of course, I write documentation for high
tech
> engineering projects, so the view is admittedly biased.
>
> If you want to be a good, well-paid, tech writer, get a BSEE or BSCS then
> get the hell away from those ivory towers.
>
> Fire off that email, this ought to be an interesting discussion.
>
> John Gilger
>
> "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't teach stick
> around for a Ph. D."
>
>
>
>
