Re: FW: Satisfaction (was ... Re: The value of technical writers)

[Barbara Karst-Sabin <barbara -at- QUOTE -dot- COM>]

Lynn Perry wrote:
>

> I chose technical writing NOT because I am a failed engineer but because I
> appreciate clear communication. I have no aspiration (there's that word) to
> become an engineer because I do not like the work I see most engineers
> doing. I think it's interesting that embedded in the "technical writer" is
> the assumption that "engineer" is the higher goal to aspire to.

Funnily enough, I started out as a medical writer.  I had worked in a
critical care hospital, liked to write, had a degree and lots of science
classes -- what could be more logical.  Some of the doctors and nurses
actually wondered why I would "settle" for being a medical writer when
I'd obviously (?!?!?) make a great doctor.  What is with that
mentality???

Do any of us really feel that techincal writing is a second string job?
I hope not.  Writing of any kind is a skill few people can claim, being
able to understand technical material is another skill that few people
have, put the two together and you have very few people who can do this
kind of work.  If it seems like everyone can write and everyone
understands technical material, perhaps it's because we're looking at
our peer group rather than the real world.

Another two cents worth (if I keep this up, you'll all be rich ;+).

BJ

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