Re: Curious about what you do

Subject: Re: Curious about what you do
From: Bruce Byfield <bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 10:07:57 -0800


chix linux wrote:

I have a question. From reading your posts I gather
that most of you document software. Is this correct?

I think that about 50-60% of the work for technical writers is with software companies, so it's not surprising that discussion of of it predominates. But many of us, especially the contractors, have also done work on hardware. For example, I've documented high-end video conferencing systems, a scale for mixing printers' inks, data loggers, and factory control systems. I'm sure that list isn't unique.

If someone wanted to do that type of tech writing,
where would they go to do that? How would they "break
in" to that type of work? Have any of you done that
type of writing? If so, how did you get started?

In fields such as aviation and medical equipment, previous expertise or academic credentials are often needed. However, in general, it's really no different from looking for work documenting software: you look around, and apply.

In many cases, software and hardware are parts of a total solution, so they realy aren't distinct the way they were a decade ago.

Also, do any of you have experience writing training
materials, workshops etc? Would you share your
experiences?
Elearning doesn't seem to be doing as well as everyone expected, but it does seem to be growing slowlly. It's divided into production of course content, and the documentation of back-end standards and technologies. Part of its potential market is academic, and part of it is business, so the field is probably flexible enough to survive these hard econmic times quite nicely.

--
Bruce Byfield bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com 604.421.7177
http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield

"Who went mad, who drowned in drink,
Who's in a cage and who's extinct?
Who ended up in a uniform?
The Lion and the Unicorn."
-The Men They Couldn't Hang, "The Lion and the Unicorn"



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References:
Curious about what you do: From: chix linux

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