Re: Top ten myths of technical communication

[Eric Ray <ericjray -at- yahoo -dot- com>]

--- puff -at- guild -dot- net wrote:

>      In addition, I have to say that I find myself
> slightly disturbed
> by the undercurrent of reverse snobbishness in the
> followups to this
> post (and in past techwr-l discussions).  I suspect
> a lot of the
> stereotypical friction between programmers/engineers
> and technical
> writers could be ameliorated (if not avoided) if
> writers approached
> the programmers/engineers, and the topics
> themselves, with less
> disdain.
> 
>      Most hardcore techies tend to be fascinated by
> their field.
> That's why they *are* hardcore techies.  They tend
> to readily
> empathize with anybody else who takes a similar
> attitude (it's part of
> what binds that community together).  Instead of
> sneering at the
> buffoons for their poor communication skills,
> writers should try to
> exercise those vaunted communication skills. 
> Approach the topic with
> an effort to open yourself to that sense of wonder. 
> Build some common
> ground.

As usual, Steven Owens is right on target. In an
attempt to avoid getting chewed out by the listowner
for posting an "I agree completely" message, I'll 
also add that in a series of articles on the TECHWR-L
site, I outline some thoughts about being a 
more technical writer, and even how to move in that
direction if you choose to. See
http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/techiewriter.html
Thoughts, comments, and discussion about the series
would be welcome, of course. 
Eric


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