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Technical Writing in the Digital Age: Difference between revisions
Technical Writing in the Digital Age (view source)
Revision as of 16:21, 28 November 2023
, 11 months ago→Technical Writing Profession: Changed "technical experts" to "subject matter experts"
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The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States.{{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand, and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.{{Citation needed}} | The need for paperwork ushered in by World War II served as the driving force for the technical writing profession in the United States.{{sfn|Rathbone|1958}} This was a time years before the computer and photocopier became common office equipment. During this period, the role of the technical writer revolved solely around words, and their primary work tools consisted of either a pencil or ink pen and paper. The technical writer would draft the document by hand, and a typist or clerical worker would then use a typewriter to transfer the writer's words into a finished document.{{Citation needed}} | ||
Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The technical writer's work may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with | Advances in technology thrust the technical writing profession into a new era. The technical writer's work may now also include not only text, but also images, drawings, and computer-based media. The current role of the technical writer is not only to write, but they may also be involved in research and information gathering, speaking with subject matter experts, and selecting document mediums and project tools.{{sfn|Macari|2023}} | ||
The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites.{{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} The titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists.{{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} | The projects of today's technical writers can be as varied as writing instructions to assemble a living room chair to creating websites.{{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} The titles of today's technical writers may vary as well. They may be referred to by names as diverse as information architects to documentation specialists.{{sfn|Grimstead|1999}} | ||