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Subject:Technical Writer (Not documentation specialist) From:"Donald R. Stovicek" <usadad -at- RAEX -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 8 Jun 1998 12:20:34 -0400
Does anyone on this list know where a freelance technical writer who
does not specialize in software documentation can locate help in finding
work and networking with other technical writers?
The last couple of years, I have tried to network with other writers on
the Internet with experience similar to mine only to find that the term
"Technical Writer" today seems to be what we used to refer to as a
"documentation specialists." That is, writing user manuals and
documentation for software. At least that is what the majority of
questions and comments on this list seem to refer to.
I would like to make contact with anyone on this list who still
specializes in technical writing that covers something other than
computer software help files or documentation. Would anyone on this list
with experience similar to mine please E-mail me directly?
I have been a Technical Writer/Editor for over 30 years. For the first
17 years, I wrote user manuals, service manuals, shop manuals, technical
bulletins, and training film scripts for the automotive industry. We
covered the care, use, and maintenance of mechanical, hydraulic,
pneumatic, electrical, and air conditioning systems for cars and trucks.
For the last 14 years, I've been writing magazine articles on industrial
components and systems as diverse as clutches and brakes to factory wide
computer systems and neural nets.
Any constructive comments or tips would be appreciated.