RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken

Subject: RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken
From: "Lauren" <lauren -at- writeco -dot- net>
To: "'Dan Goldstein'" <DGoldstein -at- riverainmedical -dot- com>, <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 13:32:12 -0700

> From: Dan Goldstein

> Based on the archives, I'd say that most Whirlers already have
> considerable knowledge outside the discipline of writing, and
> they also
> work to expand that knowledge.

I agree with that. I tend to think that if I approached nearly anyone on
this forum and debated some issue about technical communication and then
said, "What do you do you know? You're just a technical writer," I would
have my ego served to me on a platter.

Not that I wouldn't debate issues, since I have a little habit of doing that
anyway, but I would never say that somebody who holds the title of technical
writer is somehow inferior because of the title.

A technical writer is a writer, although the profession requires a great
deal of non-written work and a good deal of education and experience that is
not related to writing. The position of copywriter requires less industry
knowledge and perhaps even a lower degree of writing ability. A copywriter
may not be a "technical communicator," per se, but a technical writer must
be a technical communicator.

> (I prefer not to debate the use of "lifestyle" and "constantly.")

Ahhh. Thanks for avoiding that potential flame war.

Lauren

> > From: David Hailey

> > ... When I suggest that we be technical communicators, I
> > am not suggesting that we call ourselves "technical
> > communicators." I am suggesting we adopt lifestyle like
> > Leonards and JagDrivers, where we are constantly
> > expanding our knowledge outside the narrower discipline
> > of writing, into the broader discipline of communication.
> > The difference is not in name -- call yourself anything
> > you want. The difference is in lifestyle.
> >
> > Dave

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References:
RE: Definition of Tech Writer, was STC is broken: From: Dan Goldstein

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