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An Information Architect is necessary (at least, that's what JoAnn
Hackos says) for a company implementing a structured scheme like DITA.
The information architect is generally separate from the actual writers,
and performs more planning tasks: How to divvy up existing info into
topics, what deliverables should be made from single-sourced content,
CMS scheme, etc.
I think a tech writer could move into such a role with ease. Heck, I do
it for my company now, and it's not on my business card.
happy holidays
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+cvickery=arenasolutions -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+cvickery=arenasolutions -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]
On Behalf Of Jim Barrow
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 7:19 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Information Architect
Good Morning All,
There have been discussions here in the past that dealt with other areas
that are open to tech writers who want to move up/on/out, etc. I think
about this often as I try to couple my retirement plans with where I am
now in my career.
This is what I was doing the other day when I received a phone call from
a recruiter. She stated that she had an exciting opportunity for an
information architect.
An info whatsy?
Seriously, I don't think I had ever heard of that title outside of being
creative on my business card. But, lo and behold, it's a real job
category.
When I asked the recruiter to describe the duties and responsibilities
associated with the job I was surprised - they matched what I am
currently doing at my present job. When she mentioned the pay rate, I
fell over - it was 30% more than what I am getting now.
>From what I've researched - and this is where I'd like your opinion and
feedback - information architects seem to do equal parts technical
writer, business analyst and GUI (Web) developer. Granted, the job
descriptions I found on various job boards varied greatly, but no more
so than a "financial" tech writer, or a "medical industry" tech writer.
Has anyone here worked as or with an information architect? Is my
assessment of the job title accurate? Is this something that technical
writers could move into without too much of a learning curve?
- Jim
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