Good technical writers are some of the most versatile of professional writers. Today's tech writers are expected to do more than just write text. On any given project, they must be artists, scientists, craftsmen, technicians, programmers, and marketers. They need writing skills, technical knowledge, research skills, management skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to think critically about the projects they work on.    Want to learn more about tech writing and about the work tech writers do? Below are some links of general interest that will point you in useful directions. I believe that anyone new to the field should browse them all. Society for Technical Communication Probably the best central site for information on tech communication. The STC is an international organization of tech communication professionals and educators who will be happy to help you with your needs. Chances are, there's a local and regional chapters somewhere close to you. Memberships are not expensive, and the value of being a part of this organization is vast. Check it out.   Scientific and Technical Communication Overview A brief description from our good friends at the University of Minnesota.   Summary of Technical/Professional Communication John December's view.   Macmillan Information SuperLibrary Now here's a resource for you!   TECHWR-L FAQ Web Page by Mike Tassano Tips from the TECHWR-L listserv         Technical Writing Web Page by Gary Conroy Lots of stuff here. Always changing.   Internet Resources for Technical Communicators Another general interest list of resources out of RPI in beautiful upstate New York.   International Technical Communication Much of today's tech writing will have international applications, and so we must write with other languages and cultures in mind. Here's a good site to learn more .   ACM SigDOC Home Page ACM Special Interest Group for Computer Documentation   ISO Software Documentation Standards The International Standards Organization sets the guidelines that conventionalize software documentation around the world. These standards are a kind of "accounting" system that help tech writers establish a baseline quality for their work they can easily defend and use in billing for services.   User Friendly Manuals Peter Ring's website out of Denmark addresses different kinds of manuals. Deep, useful, and well organized.   Group Interviews as Source for Writing Proposals Learn about how to do group interviews to collect information for proposals from COMPETITIVE COMMUNICATION METHODS, A Newsletter for Government Contractors & Grantees.   Books and other Resources on Technical Writing   Bibliography for Technical Writing and Design

Bill Klein's Homepage

UMSL English Dept.

UM-St. Louis

 
http://www.umsl.edu/~klein/TW_Resources.html - - Revised 10/23/98
Copyright & Copy; 1998 William D. Klein
swdklei@umslvma.umsl.edu