Re: The tools tech writers use

[Gregory david Harrison <gdharris -at- LEARN -dot- SENECAC -dot- ON -dot- CA>]

On Thu, 30 Jul 1998, Doug Parr wrote:

> Andriene asked what tools writers use, and why.
clipped...
>
> Ever notice how an ad for a writer always says something like "Must have 3
> years experience with ForeHelp"? Have you ever seen an ad for a carpenter
> that said "must have 6 years experience with a Mikita saw and a Stanley
> steel-frame hammer"? That would insult the carpenter, wouldn't it. Looks
> like someone has pegged us tech writers as one-trick ponies who can only use
> one or two tools.
>
> I'm not limited to certain tools. I stay abreast of new tool technology by
> using the tools. I keep and use the ones I like. And yes, I like Word. It's
> a few parsecs ahead of a pad and pencil.
>
> Doug Parr
> The Write Place
> Colorado Springs


Doug,
While I would definitely agree that writers are an adaptable group, some
tool knowledge is handy. Airline pilots spend a number of months being
"certified on type" as they go from one type of aircraft to another and
the maintenance group will spend even longer. Nail technology hasn't come
quite as far. Though improved over the last couple of hundred years, the
basics are still pretty much the same even with air hammers.

I will also quickly agree that a writer is not driving hundreds of tons
of aircraft around the sky at speeds in low Mach numbers but, we do write
the books that teach them which button to push and when.

Fortunately, most bean-counters still have a healthy respect (fear) of
flying.

Wonder if we will ever find the balance?

Dave Harrison
Writer and former pilot