Re: Ten Technical Writing Stereotypes

["Gene Kim-Eng" <techwr -at- genek -dot- com>]

Here's mine:

"Technical writers serve as advocates for users
because they understand user needs better than
developers."

In reality, technical writers are just as likely as
any developer to advocate for their concept of
users, and to address their own concept of
user needs.  I have had to intercede in countless
knockdown, drag out disputes among factions
of writers who were deadset on their views of
users and user needs, despite the fact that
neither side had ever actually met or talked to
a real, live user.

Gene Kim-Eng



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom Johnson" <tomjohnson1492 -at- gmail -dot- com>
>I was just thinking ... my survey focused on negative stereotypes about
> technical writers. Have you run across any positive stereotypes?
>
> For example, do a lot of people think tech writers are extremely tech 
> savvy?
> Do tech writers know the product better than anyone else on the team? 
> Are
> tech writers jacks of all trades (experts in usability, info archict.,
> copywriting)? Are tech writers expert problem-solvers and 
> troubleshooters?
>
> Any thoughts on positive stereotypes you've encountered?

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