Tech Writing a Growing Field?

[Mark Barrera - Tech Writer]

RE

Is tech writing still seen as a desirable profession, and are our numbers
still growing in the US?

Just wonderin'

--Nancy

*************

Others need to verify - but to my knowledge - the STC has
shrunk by a third in the last 5 years.

Long discussions about this occasionally on the STC lists.

Candidates for STC office also address.

I think outsourcing is really hurting Tech Writers as I
check up on corps once in awhile - and sometimes find the
entire TWR dept has been sent out of the USA.

Scary example - the large TWR dept at Honeywell Air Transport
was eliminated some time ago.

And if the corps are doing it - the rest will surely follow
in order to compete.

5 dollars an hour versus 50 dollars an hour.

Yes - the quality is often abhorable - but they have that
45 dollars an hour invested in the Ferrari and the "accessories."

Have had the benefits explained to me in Scottsdale many times.

So it is acceptable in their eyes as long as an acceptable
amount of bad feedback received from the customers.

Have been approached regarding a new result of this practice.

Companies who saved a mint on creating the docs now want
someone like myself who has dealt with an international audience
of engineers (read non-native English speakers) to clean up the 
mess for a flat fee.

They still save thousands.

Leaves a sour taste in my mouth - but as the number of contract
possibilities dry up as the number of Ferrari's in Scottsdale 
rises . . . 

Mdb

Mark David Barrera
Engineer @ Writer @ Editor
www.mdbinc.com