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:Working with SMEs From:Betsy Shoolbred <BSHOOLBR -at- ECS-INC -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 14 Oct 1998 13:10:40 -0400
I've seen two emails today that I'd like to address (*A very detailed
glossary* and *A replacement for "implementation"*). I think these writers
may way to re-assess how they work with their SMEs.
I don't know how it is with most writers, but I consider myself the
grammar/user interface SME and the Engineer/Programmer as the technical
SME. If someone disagrees with the way I present technical information, I
decide if it's worth changing. If I decide *not* to change it, and I know
this person is going to call me on it, I prepare an explanation--based
reference books, articles, or my own experience. As long as I approach it
academically rather than egotistically, this works for me.
