Re: What does a Tech Writer do ....

["Massi, Jerri" <JMassi -at- ADMIN -dot- CLEMSONSC -dot- NCR -dot- COM>]

Julie wrote the following as typical responses when she announces that she
writes computer user pubs:

>Response 1:
  >O really? I just bought a <PREHISTORIC PC I'VE NEVER HEARD OF> for
  >10 quid at a car boot sale last weekend and can't get it to work.
  >Perhaps you could come round and have a look at it ...

>Response 2:
  >Well I hope you write better manuals than the one that came with my
  >[washing machine|video|microwave]... Here... Can YOU figure out how
  >to make it do a 40 degree eco half load cycle with a pre-wash
  >and 800 RMP spin from THIS...?

 > [On this one, usually I (a) suggest they use the washing machine and not
  >the microwave to achive this, (b) smile weakly, and (c) try to slither
  >away, but it doesn't always work.]


Of course I get responses like this , too!  I always frown in thought,
inspect whatever document they hand me, take a careful look at the
fridge/microwave/computer, check the connectors in the back, explain some
tremendously complicated jargon to them ("alternating current," "386
enhanced mode," "alternator brushes," etc) and even fix the thing if I can.
 But if I can't, I just sigh very heavily and say, "Well, I know enough to
see you've got a problem, but I just write the pubs.  You really ought to
have a tech look at it."

Hey, they are tremendously impressed by the time I am through.  And building
respect is the name of the game!  : )  A little theatrical training helps!
 (After all, these are the people who just might need a tech writer some day
. . . . )

JeriWho -at- aol -dot- com