RE: Programming / scripting languages in tech-writing

[Ed Gregory <edgregory -at- comcast -dot- net>]

Bruce,
If the goal is to move from tech writing to IT, then by all means dive into
XML. If you plan to remain a writer, then learning XML is likely to be more
of a hobby.

Dice, among the largest online job databases, lists 120 openings nationwide
for technical writers with XML experience and four times that many for
technical writers with experience in the C family.

Of course, YEMV.

-Ed

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Byfield [mailto:bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2002 11:56 AM
To: Ed Gregory
Cc: TECHWR-L
Subject: Re: Programming / scripting languages in tech-writing


Ed Gregory wrote:

>At the STC conference here in Nashville yesterday, during a panel
discussion
>on job market trends and skills, there seemed to be solid agreement that
one
>skill combination that remains in strong demand is the writer/programmer.
>The desired language(s): C, C++, C#.
>
Personally, I'd be a little cautious about learning C# unless it was
used on a job-site. There's a demand now,  true enough. But, even with
Microsoft's clout, I wonder whether the demand will last.

>As for other "languages" that tech writers need: HTML and Javascript,
unless
>everything you plan to do is for hardcopy output. Beyond that, Visual Basic
>for the previously mentioned Word (and other MS Office) automation. If you
>want to get heavily into Web delivery systems, PHP, SQL, MySQL, ASP, and
>*shudder* XML. The panel generally agreed that learning XML, other than a
>basic overview, is wasted unless you are in an organization that is
>currently moving to XML.
>
If you don't mind me asking, why (joking aside) the shudder over XML? Also,
what's the reason for thinking that learning XML is wasted? I'm curious.

--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com

"'We do right when the cost is bearable but morality flourishes among those
who won't suffer by it."
- George Turner, "The Sea and Summer"





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