RE: Status of the Technical Writer

["Cardimon, Craig" <ccardimon -at- M-S-G -dot- com>]

That's why I'm thinking perhaps we should study up on the science of
writing, the science of communication, as well as on science in general,
and take a gentle step sideways into science writing.

A science writer writes about science. That can be cool. Think Carl
Sagan. I've heard science writers on the radio. A technical writer
writes about technical. No, that can't be right. A technical writer
writes about technical things. But to most people, technical equals
boring. Let the technical stuff wait. As long as possible. To the last
minute. Hey, wait a minute! See the problem?

Try this the next time you're at a party. Tell someone you are a science
writer instead of a technical writer. Use a little spin. I became a
computer science writer. I did that in an elevator in Las Vegas. The
results were stunning. I got wows instead of nods. Just try it. Your
mileage may vary.

Craig

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