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Everyone knows what a salesperson does. Everyone knows what a database
developer does. Try that with technical writer, or worse yet, technical
communicator.
People on whom I tried the "technical communicator" bit said, oh you
mean "technical writer."
I don't know anymore. I document steps, processes, and procedures of a
technical nature. How computer applications work. I translate HR-ese,
and marketing-ese, and technical-ese in plain English.
Craig
-----Original Message-----
From: Gordon McLean [mailto:Gordon -dot- McLean -at- GrahamTechnology -dot- com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 5:39 AM
To: 'Will Husa'; Cardimon, Craig; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Technical Writer or Documentation Writer?
I started a similar thread on the ISTC list recently.
General reaction varied from "I don't give a hoot", through to "it is
crucial for our profession that we all TRY and get a common, accurate
and
descriptive name for what we do, even if not everyone agrees".
To be honest, the bit I dislike is the "writer" word. I do much more
than
that as part of my job, and my role brings much more than just
documentation
to the company. We are user advocates after all, aren't we?
If it's a straight choice though, I'd plump for the former.
Documentation
Writer just doesn't sound right, does it?
Gordon
www.onemanwrites.co.uk
-----Original Message-----
From:
techwr-l-bounces+gordon -dot- mclean=grahamtechnology -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+gordon -dot- mclean=grahamtechnology -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr
-l.c
om] On Behalf Of Will Husa
Sent: 05 November 2007 23:42
To: ccardimon -at- M-S-G -dot- com; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Technical Writer or Documentation Writer?
Craig,
A few years ago, I was a Documentation Writer. It was a title given by
HR
types to technical writers who did not work directly in the IT
department.
At the time I was given the title of Documentation Writer, I was the
sole
technical writer in a training department. Not only did I write the
training
manuals, but I had to design the documents using Desktop Publishing
software
for publication. In many cases, I also published the training manuals.
It's like a jack-of-all-trades type writing position.
Be seeing you,
Will
====================================
Will Husa
> Technical Writer of User Friendly Procedure Manuals and HTML Help <
> Increasing Profits through Clear Communication <
Phone: 630.668.0333
Cellular: 708.927.3569
www.4techwriter.com
====================================
------Orginal Message---------------
I've heard myself and what I do here referred to in different ways.
Coworkers might not know what a "technical writer" does, but they all
nod
when they hear the word "documentation writer."
Opinions?
-- Craig
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Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
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