Happy to be a Tech Writer?

[James Barrow]

>Chris Kearney asked:
>
>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?

Is Existentialism permitted on this list? ;^)

If we're omitting self-actualization, and wondering if we'd be better suited
as a falcon trainer or pastry chef, and only looking Information Technology,
then look at it like this.  In a typical IT department there are the
following positions:

Director of IT
Manager Applications Integration (Architect)
Project Manager
Analysts
Developers
Technical Trainers
Technical Writers
Desktop Technology

The Director position (upper management) should probably be a separate
thread as I've wondered just how high up the corporate ladder a tech writer
can climb.  Has anyone seen a Director of Publications?

Personally, I wouldn't want to manage an IT department.  There's a lot of
politics and some of those 'politicians' swing some mighty big bats (HR,
Legal, Finance, VPs, CEOs, etc.).

Project Managers are under so much constant pressure that they should simply
sign up to be test subjects in clinical trials for acid reflux medication.

Analysts have interesting jobs and share some of the responsibilities of
tech writers.

Developers don't sleep.  That one's out.

Trainers are a little too 'niche' for my taste, and desktop support
personnel are at the beck and call of anyone, at any time.

And then there's the technical writer.  Treated like Joseph Merrick in some
organizations, Cinderella in others.  Given the right set of circumstances
though, tech writers can be presented with an agenda that will exercise the
left and right half of their brains equally.

When I selected a name for my business I chose the Latin word meaning "to
describe."  Seemed to be the epitome of what we do.  Frankly, I get a kick
out of interviewing SMEs.  It's a challenge that I look forward to.  During
most interviews I wonder 'Have you ever heard of an adverb?'  Once I've
captured and translated the information, nothing is more rewarding than
hearing people say 'You've described it precisely!'

I've never shot at my SMEs though (makes 'em run);^)  Actually, capturing
screenshots is an art.  I once finished a lengthy user manual by simply
copying and pasting screenshots in the appropriate places.  The response was
less than enthusiastic.  After editing the graphics using most of SnagIt's
features, the users were falling over themselves with praise.  Same
graphics, just a shadow here and a 3D effect there.

I've been doing this for a while and I've never been unhappy with what I've
done.

- Jim