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Subject:Re: REAL Technical Writers From:Jerry Blackerby <exujbl -at- EXU -dot- ERICSSON -dot- SE> Date:Thu, 29 Jul 1993 07:13:52 CDT
Hi everyone,
This topic can become a real flame war, but first consider what is
technical writing.
Technical writing can be so many things and so many different levels.
Consider the instructions for assembling a bicycle or a toy - usually
very bad, but an example of technical writing.
Consider the label containing instructions for taking an aspirin -
another example of technical writing and very necessary.
Consider the label in your car trunk for using the jack - another
example of technical writing.
Consider the instructions to play the latest computer game - technical
writing.
Consider the instructions to repair your lawn mower - technical writing.
One of the finest examples of technical writing I have ever seen is a
book on magic written by Mark Wilson and edited by Walter Gibson.
Technical writing about magic is no less REAL than any other type
of technical writing. It is just a different field.
Technical writing covers every possible field of endeavor and must be
written to so many different levels of expertise. This means that
all of us are technical writers. It is just a matter of what discipline
we are writing for, not a matter of REAL or not real technical writers.
I started writing instructional material on radar in the late 50's.
Since then, I have written across many fields including software. I
never consider myself any less REAL when I write about computers or
software than I do when I wrote about troubleshooting a radar system
or overhauling a diesel engine.
So, please stop to think about how diverse a field we are in.
Jerry
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__/__\__ Jerry Blackerby | ~~ Practice random kindness
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