-No Subject-

[Barry West <Barry_West -dot- S2K -at- S2KEXT -dot- S2K -dot- COM>]

>Won't it be great when Tech Comm programs in universities require enough
 >SOLID technical classes that entry level writers could actually read and
 >wire circuits, write and debug a C program, understand basic business
 >operations such as accounting and human resources, and build a basic motor?
 >What I learned as an engineer was just the beginning!!!

I am not an engineer or a technician, and I can read wiring schematics, fluid
schematics, and blueprints just fine, thank you. I have never gone to business
school, yet I have written manuals for software applications which include
General Ledger, Payables Ledger, Account Payables, Accounts Receivable,
Equipment Management, Service Management, Service Billing. Inventory, Payroll
and Resume Tracking. I am not a medical technician, yet I have written manuals
for several medical software applications. I have also written manuals in
support of jet engines, gyro systems, arthroscopic tools, titration systems,
SQL database management applications, LAN networks, PC hardware, a periodontal
device, and plenty more-- all from scratch. And there isn't a single project
manager from any of those projects who hasn't given me repeat business and a
good reference.

What do you think, Tech Writers only read grammar books and have no interest in
technology?  Where's that coming from? Being a Technical Writer has given me
exposure to all kinds of technologies, which was the whole point in my becoming
a Technical Writer to begin with. To assume that Technical Writers have no
technical ability or insight is just as ridiculous as assuming that Engineers
can't be good writers. This thread isn't about writers and engineers. It's
about egos and closed mindsets.