I wrote a post entitled Confessions of a dyslexic technical writer about how I use my dyslexia as an advantage as a writer. The post still draws some feedback from other adult dyslexics. Here are some other confessions I’d add to the post if I wrote it today:
Category: Work
Is there a thought leadership double standard for writers?
I work in an industry that’s hungry to have their VPs, directors, and senior technical staff to become thought leaders. Informed opinion leaders and the go-to people in their field of expertise. They are trusted sources who move and inspire people with innovative ideas; turn ideas into reality and know and show how to replicate… Continue reading Is there a thought leadership double standard for writers?
In defense of kindness in the editorial review cycle
I took an interest in editorial reviews early in my career. That interest drove me to become a technical reviewer in the computer book industry for several years. I’m not sure they even have that role anymore. At the least publishers may not pay for that review anymore. Sitting through curt and incomplete document reviews… Continue reading In defense of kindness in the editorial review cycle
Thoughts from summer vacation 2019
I just got back the other week from spending a week’s vacation in Miami Beach. A love of the beach and the ocean is one thing I inherited from my father. Vacations and time off are one of the positive outcomes from returning to full-time employment back in 2016.
The wisdom of youth and age in the tech industry
Some elements of the Serpent Society workforce and corporate America try to perpetuate the myth that Generation X and 40 + workers are not up to date on technology and not able to adapt to changes. This is a pretty broad generalization. I heard this a lot during my last contract and job hunt.
How cloud issues can trickle down to content development
Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash I regularly discuss with a colleague the state of the cloud and how to make cloud messages resonate with readers He’s a solutions architect. I’m a technical writer. We work in allied professions, but he sees things I don’t see. What I came to see after a few discussions with… Continue reading How cloud issues can trickle down to content development
Ambiguity should signal ownership for technical writers
Too many technical writers live in style guides, single sourcing, FrameMaker, processes, and methodologies. They can sometimes escape from the business of software development. This monk like college advanced composition teacher existence can separate the technical writer from the realities of today’s dysfunctional workplace.When facing down ambiguity, technical writers have two choices: Wallow in the… Continue reading Ambiguity should signal ownership for technical writers
