TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: The Writer's Kit From:Michael Lewis <lewism -at- BRANDLE -dot- COM -dot- AU> Date:Wed, 7 Jan 1998 14:53:14 +1100
Bruce Byfield wrote:
> However, the other side of the issue is: what do writers need in order
> to make a living in today's market. In other words, what skills should
> you have ready at any time, and what allows you to deliver the finished
> work in the expected time?
In terms of software use skills, I think we need two things: an
understanding of the principles behind DTP or high-end WP, and solid
experience with one or two relevant products. (Believe it or not, I
include MS Word in that category.) From there, you can make educated
guesses about where to find key commands or features. IMO, unless you're
a dedicated and virtually fulltime user of one product, you'll always
need to make those educated guesses about the things you don't do very
often; I think most of us are in that position with a few products, and
we can reach the same position with an unfamiliar product in only a few
days.
--
Michael Lewis
Brandle Pty Limited, Sydney, Australia
PO Box 1249, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012
Suite 8, The Watertower, 1 Marian St, Redfern 2016
Tel +61-2-9310-2224 ... Fax +61-2-9310-5056
