Re: Poll: Is technical writing a sellout or fallback career?

["Holly Steele" <hsteele1 -at- gmail -dot- com>]

To me, the question seems like a false dichotomy.

It doesn't leave room for other answers like technical communication is a
career of choice, a career that was planned and followed through on. For
example, I enrolled in an excellent technical communication program and then
graduated and looked for work as a tech writer. My choice was neither a
fallback nor a sellout.

Besides, the question is negative. Why focus on the negative? There is so
much positive in the world to focus on.

Peace,

Holly



2008/8/7 Al Geist <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>

> Lauren wrote:
>
> "How do you answer the question, "Is technical writing a sellout or
> fallback
> career?" with a yes or no answer?  Are "sellout" and "fallback"
> synonymous?"
>
> Hi Lauren,
>
> I guess if I use your logic, I've done both. I gave up the free and easy
> life of a freelance journalist to return to the deadline pressure and
> frustration of technical writing. I started the writing life as a tech
> writer, moved off to journalism, started a couple of magazines, did some
> video producing and whatever paid the bills and bought the beer. Now, I've
> back writing all about microelectromechanical silicon wafer processing
> systems. So, I've fallen back and sold out for more money than I was making
> as a journalist. I have to admit it's nice...and I drink much better beer.
>
> That's why I entered "No."
>
> Al Geist
> Technical Communicator, Help, Web Design, Video, Photography
> Office/Msg: 802-872-9190
> Cell: 802-578-3964
> E-mail: al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com
> Website: www.geistassociates.com
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> Fine Art Photography
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>
> "...I walked to work, quit my job, and kept walking. Better to be a pilgrim
> without a destination, I figured, than to cross the wrong threshold each
> day." (Sy Safransky)
>
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