TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
> I am a career-changer that is looking to get into technical
> writing.
Why? I'm not being a smartass. I'm really asking. Why?
> 2) User documentation I would write for a freeware program I use to
> calculate the volume of fuel/oil in underground storage tanks (it
> currently has no user documentation)
I'd suggest that before you decide to "be a technical writer", you
need to write that document and get it reviewed by people who don'yt
have a stake in making you happy...having it reviewed by your
boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse doesn't count. After all, not everyone
who wants to, can (though you'd never know by some stuff we've seen).
At that point, you'll know if you have the seed of ability to be a
tech writer. Writing a thesis doesn't really apply, unless you wrote
that thesis over a three-day period and enjoyed it, which more
resembles what you'll have to do regularly.
BTW...if this tone offends, take it from someone who'd been doing
this for over 15 years. If you need sugar coating, this may not be
the field to be in.
=====
John Posada
Senior Technical Writer
?Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone
amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built
the Titanic.? - Dave Barry
__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
The all-new My Yahoo! - What will yours do? http://my.yahoo.com
WEBWORKS FINALDRAFT - EDIT AND REVIEW, REDEFINED
Accelerate the document lifecycle with full online discussions and unique feedback-management capabilities. Unlimited, efficient reviews for Word
and FrameMaker authors. Live, online demo: http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Doc-To-Help 7.5 Professional: New version with new features, improved performance and reliability, plus much more! Download your free trial today at www.componentone.com/techwrlfeb.
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archiver -at- techwr-l -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Send administrative questions to lisa -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.