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Subject:Re: What is our role? From:"David Neeley" <dbneeley -at- gmail -dot- com> To:techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Sat, 31 Mar 2007 08:33:26 -0600
After observing that most discussion on this list revolves around
tools and tips, Chris Kearney asked:
"Am I an inept dinosaur because I write instruction in Word, PDF it,
and send it off to the gateway publisher?"
"Sorry, I like my simple job of interviewing users and sme's, taking
shots, and writing in plain English (my language of choice). Is
anyone else out there actually happy to be a Tech Writer?"
Chris, it should be no surprise that a list of tech writers should
discuss the sorts of things that are so prevalent on this list. It is,
after all, a place where "shop talk" is encouraged. A focus on how
*happy* we might be to be tech writers would quickly become rather
boring, I suspect.
As for whether you are a "dinosaur"--well, personally I would (and do)
avoid Word where possible as I am one who believes it is not the best
tool for the job--but obviously you'll have rather vociferous
disagreement on that point!
I would say that the wide-ranging and enthusiastic contributions of
list members is the mark of people fully engaged in--and, in the main,
enjoying--their profession. Is that not enough?
David
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