The Tech Writer Revealed

Habitat

The technical writer can be found in any corporate biome that produces technical documentation, such as the software biome, the aerospace biome, the medical biome or the manufacturer biome. The technical writer occupies two primary environmental zones within these biomes: the cubicle zone and the home office zone.

The cubicle zone is characterized by muted colors, artificial light, mechanically controlled temperatures and a quiet ambiance. The technical writer is relatively constrained to its cubicle zone and travels to the home territory of other subspecies in the corporate group infrequently.

The home-office zone is characterized by a familiar, "warm" feeling combined with the accouterments of the cubicle zone. Temperatures and noise levels vary according to weather and family size. The technical writer uses a variety of methods to stay in contact with its corporate group, such as a high-speed Internet connection, phone and fax machine. The technical writer has a greater sense of freedom in the home-office zone but has limited access to other members of the company and finds social interaction with coworkers difficult.

The technical writer surrounds itself with the same tools regardless of the environment it is inhabiting. Observers have documented the technical writer using computers, loaded with software like FrameMaker, RoboHelp, Word and Photoshop, desks, books and "guidelines." These tomes guide the technical writer in its work. The technical writer always carries a copy of Strunk & White in its back pocket for emergency purposes. Many observers have also noted that the technical writer carries a notepad and pen whenever it enters the territory of other subspecies in the corporate group. A few observers have even witnessed tape recorder use, although some of these observations are in question.

 

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