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Re: Expectations (possible rant - it IS Friday!)

Subject: Re: Expectations (possible rant - it IS Friday!)
From: Dick Margulis <margulisd -at- comcast -dot- net>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 14:43:15 -0500




Gene Kim-Eng wrote:


When I hear things like "crafter of documentation," my first thought is not of a writer, but a DTP operator, the documentation equivalent of a CAD designer or an engineering shop machinist.

But that first thought, Gene, is based on a misconception of the nature of craft--a common misconception, to be sure.

Tech writing IS a craft, and the bulk of the traffic on this list, no matter what the specific subject, is about individuals gaining insight into and mastering craft skills--whether the specific skills in question involve tool use or audience analysis or project management or mastery of arcane subject-matter or....

When you go to an arts and crafts fair, you might find several people who make furniture. Perhaps one on them knocks out cheap, unfinished pine, small country pieces, using power equipment. Perhaps another makes reproductions of Colonial pieces from published plans and makes a nice joint but applies quick and cheap finishes. Perhaps another designs original contemporary pieces that have beautiful lines and a hand-rubbed finish but poorly constructed joints. Perhaps another makes pieces that are perfect in every way but typically fills orders three or four years after he promises to. They're all craftsmen, and all with their strengths and weaknesses. Just like us.

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Follow-Ups:

References:
Re: Expectations (possible rant - it IS Friday!): From: Tony Markos
Re: Expectations (possible rant - it IS Friday!): From: Gene Kim-Eng

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