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Subject:Second Generation Tech Writer From:Michael Johnson <michaelj -at- OECMED -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 12 Aug 1998 11:04:31 -0600
Yesterday Kathy Stanzler asked if some of us would explain how we got into tech writing.
I followed in the footsteps of my Dad, who wrote for the US Army and US Navy for almost 30 years. I also got a lot of encouragement from a couple of English teachers in high school. God bless you, Mrs. Rocks and Mrs. Calvert, wherever you are.
I didn't become a *real* writer until 1978, however. During college and afterwards, I spent time as a janitor, missionary, Army officer, security systems designer, and electronic technician before I got my first job writing maintenance manuals for computer terminals. After that, I worked for a computer graphics firm, a satellite communications company, several aircraft companies, and a broadcast equipment manufacturer. I've worked in Utah, Arizona, California, and Saskatchewan.
Today I work right across the street from the computer terminal place where I got my start. I write maintenance manuals for X-ray machines. The computer terminal plant is now an audio cassette and CD duplicating facility, but I can still see the window in my old office when I drive past. Maybe this means something, but I haven't figured it out yet.
I guess you could say I've come full circle. Or maybe I've been running in circles. While I am not yet a big wheel, I can truthfully say I live indoors and eat regularly thanks to tech writing.
Would I do it again? You bet! In a heartbeat!
Mike Johnson
Michaej -at- oecmed -dot- com
Speaking for myself and not OEC Medical Systems
