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.
Subject:Re: The Problem with STC From:Alan -dot- Miller -at- prometric -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Mon, 11 Dec 2000 13:56:26 -0500
>> Before we, as *technical* communicators, can clearly explain a complex
>> technical concept, we must thoroughly understand that concept. This
>> requires research, curiosity, and a thoroughgoing understanding of
"first
>> principles," the fundamental mathematics and science behind the
technology.
> But must we not cast any technical explanation in a framework of
meaning
>for the reader? One would hardly go into quantum physics and calculus
with
>a lay reader, but yet must make the techncial explanation a sensible one
>that the reader can appreciate and "understand" on some level. - Herm
Exactly. How else can a technical writer make those decisions, except from
an understanding of the topic? The more complex the topic, the deeper the
writer's understanding of it must be. I am not arguing for one at the
exclusion of the other. This is not "either or." I *am* arguing that the
"technical" in technical writer comes first for a reason. And that is as it
should be.
Al Miller
Chief Documentation Curmudgeon
Prometric(r), Inc.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Develop HTML-based Help with Macromedia Dreamweaver! (STC Discount.)
**NEW DATE/LOCATION!** January 16-17, 2001, New York, NY. http://www.weisner.com/training/dreamweaver_help.htm or 800-646-9989.
Take XML and Tech Writing courses online! Our instructor-led courses
(4-6 hrs/wk) give you "hands on" experience at your convenience. STC members
get 20% off! http://www.online-learning.com/index.html.
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
