Re: Technical Writing Overview

Subject: Re: Technical Writing Overview
From: "Nora Merhar" <nora -at- helloworld -dot- sh>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Fri, 14 May 2004 10:23:15 -0500 (CDT)


Except I don't write books about computers. Never have. Have done some
software documentation (for applications that support the product I write
about), but most of my work has been documenting hardware.

When asked, I usually explain that I write instructional and reference
material for <insert product> and then go on to describe the product. You
could just as easily point to consumer product manuals. Yes, I know that a
lot of those aren't very good, but at least it gives people an idea of
what you do. I wrote manuals for Automatic Call Distributors (a couple of
jobs ago). Imagine most people's horror when I described what an ACD was
("y'know that automated voice that asks you to press 1 to get your
checking account, press 2 to get your savings account, etc...?") EVERYONE
seems to hate ACDs (I personally like getting basic info that way, but
what do I know?)

> Yep, we're an obscure bunch of folks. Someone else
> offered the best response I've heard yet when asked
> what it is we do: "I write books about computers."
> That's worked well for me.

Nora
--
Nora
nora -at- helloworld -dot- sh
and the rescue Shelties U-ACH Cary, CGC, OA, OAJ, EAC-V, EJC-V, OGC-V,
RV-N, PDII (retired)
U-ACH Secondhand Charlie, CGC, MX, MXJ, EAC, EJC, OGC, RS-N, MAD, RM, JM,
R1MCL, ONYX
and non-rescue Remy, a.k.a. Boldligo Palisades Night Watch, FM, OA, OAJ


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References:
Technical Writing Overview: From: Gene Kim-Eng
Re: Technical Writing Overview: From: Steven Brown

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