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Re: Contacting people who create manuals for gaming software.

Subject: Re: Contacting people who create manuals for gaming software.
From: Chuck Martin <cm -at- writeforyou -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 15:43:29 -0700


TechComm Dood wrote:

I am a student studying technical communication. In one of my classes, I
have to interview 2 people in the tech. comm. field. I recently created an
instruction manual for a software program. I enjoyed the process and
wanted to explore this type of writing. I am particularly interested in
writing manuals/guides for gaming software programs. Can anyone put me in
touch with someone who does this kind of writing and may be willing to do
a phone or email interview? Any leads would be greatly appreciated.


I hate to burst your bubble but most gaming manuals are not written by
technical writers. Rather, it's a joint effort between the developers
(who have a passion for the gaming world) and marketing (who have a
passion for making cool things cooler). A friend of mine has worked
for several gaming corporations as a developer, and has written many
of the user guides for those games.

<snip>

Well, first, isn't that still--unfortunately--true for much software, not just gaming? Which is why the manuals are so bad.

Second, like other software, the user assistance isn't just in the printed manual (if there is one at all).

Third, Electronic Arts posted for a tech writer last year. They wanted someone who not only was a top notch technical writer, but passional about and knowledgeable in sports. Naturally, I applied. Perfect fit, I thought.

Just as naturally, no response.

Interestingly, a short time afterward, I was attending the Microsoft launch of Windows Server 2003 (and Visual Studio .NET 1.1) and got to talking to someone who turned out to be a girlfriend of someone who worked on that very team. I not only passed on my resume, I tried to sell myself, talking some good sports stuff bakc and forth.

Still no response from EA.

Ah well.

P.S. Now I'm working in a place where I'm not only sitting next to my manager, but he's a <shuudder> Yankees fan.....

--
--
Chuck Martin
User Assistance & Experience Engineer
twriter "at" sonic "dot" net www.writeforyou.com

"I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.
The day may come when the courage of Men fail, when we forsake our
friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day!
This day, we fight!"
- Aragorn

"All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given you."
- Gandalf

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