TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Amen!! I don't have a problem with tech writers who don't know
what they're doing; I have a problem with TWs who think they *do* know
what they're doing...and, when asked what operating system they use,
answer "Hewlett-Packard." When asked to define active voice, say,
"something happening
now."
There is a really good writer who I'd like to hire, but won't
because she doesn't think she needs to learn anything; she used to write
at an engineering co. Both above quotes are from her. And she's a
reasonably successful freelancer. What do you suppose that does for our
perceived value?!!
Mary
Mary Durlak Erie Documentation Inc.
East Aurora, New York (near Buffalo)
durl -at- buffnet -dot- net
On Fri, 24 Apr 1998, Heather Searl wrote:
> I think the one of the most important thing said in this thread was
> Jane Bergen's comment:
>
> <snip>
> ... one aspect has not been discussed and that is whether we are
> enhancing the
> professional aspect of technical communication in the workplace, or if
> we are part of the problem.
>
> As a fairly long-time active member of STC, I have had occasion to meet
> and talk with many people who call themselves technical writers. Believe
> me, I would not agree with their assessment of the terms. I see lots of
