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Subject:RE: Happy to be a Tech Writer? From:Melissa Nelson <melmis36 -at- hotmail -dot- com> To:<techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Mon, 2 Apr 2007 11:20:27 -0400
I am very happy to be a technical writer! I feel that I am getting more and more respect as time passes. Of course it helps that our largest customer stated the improvement in documentation last year as our biggest improvement. Also, my boss has come to realize that it ain't over, or at least deliverable, until the phat lady writes! :)
Honestly, I love being a technical writer, I get to learn something new all the time, I am happy with my pay and the stress level at my job. Can't ask for much more!
Melissa
> Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2007 07:07:32 -0700> From: vrfour -at- verizon -dot- net> Subject: RE: Happy to be a Tech Writer?> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> > >Chris Kearney asked:> >> >Sorry, I like my simple job of interviewing users and sme's, taking shots,> >and writing in plain English (my language of choice). Is anyone else out> >there actually happy to be a Tech Writer?> > Is Existentialism permitted on this list? ;^)> > If we're omitting self-actualization, and wondering if we'd be better suited> as a falcon trainer or pastry chef, and only looking Information Technology,> then look at it like this. In a typical IT department there are the> following positions:> > Director of IT> Manager Applications Integration (Architect)> Project Manager> Analysts> Developers> Technical Trainers> Technical Writers> Desktop Technology> > The Director position (upper management) should probably be a separate> thread as I've wondered just how high up the corporate ladder a tech writer> can climb. Has anyone seen a Director of Publications?> > Personally, I wouldn't want to manage an IT department. There's a lot of> politics and some of those 'politicians' swing some mighty big bats (HR,> Legal, Finance, VPs, CEOs, etc.).> > Project Managers are under so much constant pressure that they should simply> sign up to be test subjects in clinical trials for acid reflux medication.> > Analysts have interesting jobs and share some of the responsibilities of> tech writers.> > Developers don't sleep. That one's out.> > Trainers are a little too 'niche' for my taste, and desktop support> personnel are at the beck and call of anyone, at any time.> > And then there's the technical writer. Treated like Joseph Merrick in some> organizations, Cinderella in others. Given the right set of circumstances> though, tech writers can be presented with an agenda that will exercise the> left and right half of their brains equally.> > When I selected a name for my business I chose the Latin word meaning "to> describe." Seemed to be the epitome of what we do. Frankly, I get a kick> out of interviewing SMEs. It's a challenge that I look forward to. During> most interviews I wonder 'Have you ever heard of an adverb?' Once I've> captured and translated the information, nothing is more rewarding than> hearing people say 'You've described it precisely!'> > I've never shot at my SMEs though (makes 'em run);^) Actually, capturing> screenshots is an art. I once finished a lengthy user manual by simply> copying and pasting screenshots in the appropriate places. The response was> less than enthusiastic. After editing the graphics using most of SnagIt's> features, the users were falling over themselves with praise. Same> graphics, just a shadow here and a 3D effect there.> > I've been doing this for a while and I've never been unhappy with what I've> done.> > - Jim > > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> > Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or > printed documentation. Features include single source authoring, team authoring,> Web-based technology, and PDF output. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList> > Now shipping: Help & Manual 4 with RoboHelp(r) import! New editor,> full Unicode support. Create help files, web-based help and PDF in up> to 106 languages with Help & Manual: http://www.helpandmanual.com> > ---> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as melmis36 -at- hotmail -dot- com -dot- > > To unsubscribe send a blank email to > techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/melmis36%40hotmail.com> > > To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> > Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- Visit> http://www.techwr-l.com/ for more resources and info.>
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include single source authoring, team authoring,
Web-based technology, and PDF output. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
Now shipping: Help & Manual 4 with RoboHelp(r) import! New editor,
full Unicode support. Create help files, web-based help and PDF in up
to 106 languages with Help & Manual: http://www.helpandmanual.com
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