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.
Matthew Helmke wrote:
I just say, "I'm a writer." When asked what I write, I tailor the
response to the audience and it will range from highly technical
definitions (for software dev types) to "I write whatever people need
written," which is true as I have worked outside of technical
documentation.
I usually answer in a similar way, since much of the writing that I do
isn't software-specific. It often opens a discussion about types of
writing.
However, last weekend I was attending a CERT training class. The
instructor, an EMT, asked us to introduce ourselves and say what we do
for a living. I simply said that I am a tech writer; his response was
"Oh, wow!", delivered in a sincere and appreciative tone. (People who
depend on accurate writing DO appreciate us.) Made me feel all warm and
fuzzy.
Later I was even warmer (though less fuzzy) as, on the hottest day ever
recorded in Atlanta, we went outside to practice fire-suppression
drills! Yes, we set fires so that we could practice putting them out.
Great fun.
Joyce Fetterman
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