RE: Baseline Skillset for Technical Writers?

["Harry Bacheler" <hbacheler -at- geo -dot- census -dot- gov>]

Will

The following are 'traits'/'features' that I think will assist in defining a
definitive baseline for a technical writer.

Desired Features of a Technical Writer

 1) Able to Read
 2) Able to write
 3) Have thick-skin
 4) Be flexible
 5) KNOW "I can (do)/(learn) that" (and then study like ... to get the
requested
        information so it can be done)
 6) Have a knowledge of different style guides (CMS, APA, GPO, etc)
 7) Have a toolkit (hopefully, a copy of the style guides in 6) above)
 8) Eagerness to LEARN
 9) Take criticism
10) Understand the conventional use of industry/trade specific words,
phrases, etc.
11) Willingness to use the tools provided, and make suggestions for
transition to newer tools
12) Know a lot, or have a familiarity with, of the ancilliary tools
(spreadsheets, graphics, drawing, etc)
13) Willing to take on the role of 'teacher'/'mentor'/'student' as required
(on a moment's notice)

I only mention these because it is what I have had to do over the past
"several" years

> -----Original Message-----
> From: bounce-techwr-l-20951 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
> [mailto:bounce-techwr-l-20951 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com]On Behalf Of Grega, Will
> Sent: Friday, 17 December, 1999 10:25 AM
> To: TECHWR-L
> Subject: Baseline Skillset for Technical Writers?
>
>
> I am attempting to articulate the definitive baseline set of skills a
> technical writer should have, apart from anything industry-specific. I'm
> curious to survey what my colleagues think about this.
>
> Will Grega
> Documentation Product Manager
> STC Online Help Award Winner - Intelisys HelpCenter
> Intelisys Electronic Commerce, LLC
> (212) 638-5632
> WGrega -at- intelisys -dot- com
>
>