Although some feel the name of your tech writing department doesn’t matter a whole lot (for example, TexasWriter says “Find out what people now call it. Ask what they mean by it. If it’s accurate, use it. You aren’t marketing, don’t make it up”), actually your department’s name does have an impact on the role you’re expected to play. For example, our current department’s name … more »

Results for My 10 Technical Writing Stereo Types Survey | Id Rather Be Writing – Tom Johnson.

Nearly two weeks ago I posted a survey about 10 technical writing stereotypes. 221 people participated in the survey. The results are below. 1. Technical writing is boring. Generally True: 7% Sometimes True, Sometimes False: 46% Generally False: 47% 2. Technical writing stifles your creativity. Generally True: 10% Sometimes True, Sometimes False: 32% Generally False: 58% 3. You do a lot of writing as a … more »

As college students contemplate careers in technical writing, they often hesitate because of negative stereotypes about the profession. As with many stereotypes, these aspects of technical writing can describe some situations for some people, but as a whole they aren’t necessarily true. I’ve listed Ten Technical Writing Stereotypes — tell me if the stereotypes hold generally true for you or not. You can take the … more »