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: why I want to Tech Write From:Pamela Denchfield <pdenchfield -at- VIXEL -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 3 Dec 1998 12:50:57 -0800
I whole-heartedly agree with the following parts of Emily's message:
> On the question of why we do this, a lot of the replies seem to be
> that people kind of wander into this field...
Yes, that's what I've heard from several technical writers here in the
Seattle area. My technical writing degree seems to be very unusual--only
about eight people graduated with me last summer from the University of
Washington's Technical Communications program (which is within
Engineering).
> 1. I love writing
> 2. I know that you can't eat by writing fiction
These two realizations prompted me to major in technical writing!
> 5. Looked into tech writing, took the classes, loved it! (it
> practical, my existence might mean something to the population at
large)
> ..
> 7. Lots of opportunity in this field right now (at least, that's the
> buzz)
> ..
Again, I identify with Emily.
In addition, a big motivator for me is having the opportunity to improve
existing documents (maybe I should try editing?) and being that conduit
between engineers and customers. And that's my two cents (or more).
Regarding replies to this message: if you want me to see your reply
before the next day, please send the reply to pdenchfield -at- vixel -dot- com (I'm
on the digest list). Thanks!
