Re: Expectations (possible rant - it IS Friday!)

[slb -at- westnet -dot- com -dot- au]

> The simple fact is, despite the wishful thinking of 
> some technical writers, anybody really can produce a
> reasonably usable product document given enough time 
> and knowledge of the product.
  
I disagree with this on two grounds:

- I doubt that anybody could produce a reasonably usable
  product document without knowledge of users and tasks.

- Few writers, even good ones, can write outside their own
  style. Technical writers need to adjust their style to
  the audience and the type of material.

  (It's the difference between, say, Jim Carrey, who always
  and only portrays Jim Carrey, and Anthony Hopkins.)

Working to the development schedule and planning are necessary
but not sufficient attributes for successful tech writing.

Stuart Burnfield

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