How are Technical Writer's Perceived

[lestatvampire39 -at- hotmail -dot- com]

Hello Everyone,

I am doing a paper on technical writers and require some input from 
our side of the fence.  Basically, the angle is, how do we remove the 
negative preconceptions that others have about us?

I've interviewed various sectors of the high tech industry, the 
customers that use our services, and the SME's we interface with.  
For the most part, responses have been quite negative.

If an accountant is stereotyped as boring, a lawyer as money 
grabbing, and a used car saleman as .....well we all know -  What is 
the stereotype for a tech writer?

Additionally I would like to know why you believe we are perceived as 
such?

And lastly, if you have any ideas on how to changed this perception I 
would appreciate it.  I understand the value we contribute, the 
reduced customer support calls, improved product value, independent 
product validation, useability, etc.  

Thanks

D. Schmoop  

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