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I have heard the term "domain knowledge" and understand it to mean "the
knowledge that we as technical communicators have of the product/industry we
are writing about." I have three questions:
1. Is this the correct definition?
2. How do we acquire such knowledge?
3. Can a technical writer always acquire such knowledge (through asking
a million questions) or does a writer have to have an aptitude for and
interest in the domain?
I'm asking because I'm in a situation in which the "domain knowledge"
required of me when I was hired was, I felt, much less than that which is
required of me now, and VERY much less than what will be required of me in
the near future. I'm concerned that I may be in over my head, and seek
advice on how to deal with the situation.
Kathy Stanzler
Technical Writer
Brooktrout Technology Inc.
Southborough, MA
(508) 786-9182
kstanzler -at- brooksoft -dot- com <mailto:kstanzler -at- brooksoft -dot- com>