Write Stripes

After our class discussion on Thursday, my eyes have been opened considerably to what technical writing is really all about. The range of technical writing in Interior Design is not too broad. In fact, it may be one of the most narrow of the several different things people are interested in doing in our class. The only real technical writing Interior Designers use often are project proposals. These generally involve using posters, diagrams, examples, and written descriptions and contract agreements to communicate ideas to a client or group of executives. In general, I was surprised at the firm definition of technical writing we discussed in class, because it opens up a whole new range of mediums I previously ruled out as technical writing. It was surprising that things like posters, brochures, and guidebooks can be considered technical writing. Those methods of communicating the information seemed too creative to count as anything technical. At the same time, it narrows what kinds of material you are trying to convey that counts as technical writing. Technical writing isn't writing about anything that is not fiction, as I had thought. It is really more of an instructional or informative kind of writing. That is a much more specific genre than I had originally thought.

After Thursday's class discussion, I contemplated the range of technical writing in Computer Information Systems. This major is a combination of computer science and business. Though the range in computer science is not too broad, the rang in business can be very extensive. In computer science, it is important that you communicate what your program is supposed to do, what it actually does, and how you tested it. Some IT professionals place their entire focus on testing computer programs. By doing so, they are examining how the program works and if it is effiecient. Along with these examinations comes the responsibility of documenting everything they test and how they tested it. When writing programs, it's important to make an initial description of what the program should do and smaller comments within the body of the program in case an outsider wants to examine your code. All of these technical documents, comments, and descriptions are usually internal to the company. However, many programs are written for businesses (such as Verizon Wireless, Bank of America, etc.). From an IT standpoint, it is important to write documents to the business conveying the purpose of the program and how it should be used. Thus, the range of technical writing in computer science can be broadened when the IT efforts effect businesses and everyday people. This technical writing needs to be structured and organized so that important ideas concerning functionality are clearly expressed.
Technical writing in the business field is also very important. Business personel need to have a great understanding of technical writing because they deal with customers regularly. Marketing, Economics, and Accounting is centered on the average person. Thus, they have to break information down from high business level jargon to more common terms. Also, managers need to have a high understanding of technical writing so they can clearly relay messages to there staff. These messages need to be clear, concise, and to the point so that they don't lose people in the business terminology.

Upon further consideration, the range of technical writing in computer science is not too large. In this field, most activities are structured and the range for creativity is not too large. While creativity may play a role in communiating ideas to others, there is usually a set time for this such as attempting to obtain a job from a customer. In computer science, most technical writings need to be structured and used to convey imporant ideas such as functionality to others so that the audience can clearly understand. These technical documents are usually done between people within the company to better understand the projects undertaken by the company. In addition technical documents are written in order to express to users how products function. From my limited experience in the professional field, technical writing is rather static in range as it is used to communicated between members of the company or to users to communicate very clear ideas.

In the field of architecture there is a range of different types of technical writing. Some writing that is necessary, such as resumes, office memos, and letters, is common to architecture as well as other professions. In addition to this writing, architects may need to communicate with city governments by submitting requests for building permits and submitting their proposals to ensure that their buildings meet the necessary zoning requirements. The architect must also submit drawings that include some written instructions to the engineer so that the engineer is able to ensure that the structure will withstand the necessary loads. The architect must also submit clear instructions to the contractor to ensure that the building is constructed as the architect intends. If the architect fails to correctly communicate this information, the results can be a dangerous or overly costly building and can put the construction process behind schedule.

I have just done some more research on the range and variety of technical writing in the dental profession, and one of the new bits of information i discovered was that while in dental school, students are encouraged to engage in research to "contribute to the body of professional knowledge" and to "improve the knowledge and insight of the investigator, enhance credibility for the investigator, improve teaching and enhance the reputation of the institution" (Medical University of South Carolina website). This seems like something that would interest me in that it would help me be a better and more knowledgeable dentist, and it would allow me to use the skills I learn in this class when i present my scientific findings in a paper or medicla journal. Also, in thinking about how much technical writing I would do as a dentist, I feel i would definitely compose a few business letters a week, but also I think I would need technical writing in order to effectively send bills and letters to my clients and communicate with them on how to pay their bills and what measures would be taken if they choose to not pay their bills. I think this knowledge would improve my ability to run an effective practice and be a better businessman.

Ali clearly expressed my first impression of “technical writing.” Individually I am fine with both words – I view myself as having a good bit of “technical” knowledge, and I am quite fond of expressing myself through “writing.” However, I do not like the idea of having to restrict one’s writing to fit purely utilitarian purposes. In my career, though, I see my writing being constrained by the rigid needs of scientific expression without the room to inject my emotions. Although we will all one day be constrained by technical writing it does not mean we will not be able to continue writing what we feel like on our own time.

In dentistry, a dentist has to do many types of technical writing for a variety of purposes. The main type of technical writing a dentist would have to do would be business letters for communication with colleagues and clients. Also, if the dentist was involved in any research for the science/medical community, he would have to be knowledgeable about the ways to present and write up his findings in medical journals and scientific forums of that nature. In addition to producing technical writing, he would need to understand how to best communicate with his patients through the brochures, handouts in the office, and through technical communication that is verbal that deal with new types of procedures, new technologies, and different options the patient has for their oral hygiene.

In my field, medicine, the range of technical writing can be very broad. There is literature written for different audiences, including doctors, patients, nurses, and technologists, among others. Also, the scope of topics addressed in technical writing has a very wide range: anywhere from simple explanations for patients about their diseases, to research done on cutting-edge topics in a subspecialty. There is technical writing involving instructions on how to use equipment, and how to properly treat the patients. Also, technical writing is involved in the notes that the doctors and nurses write on the patients charts.
In general, the span of technical writing is even larger than it could be in medicine. Technical writing is arguably necessary or involved in every field. It can range from instructions to put together a tricycle to the situation manual for the space shuttle. It is seems nearly impossible to live in an even remotely civilized country today and to not be in contact with technical writing. It has become a part of our culture, which is why it is such an important topic to be discussed and to learn how to create.

I had a question about the interview assignment....is the copy of the interview we did or the actual written up report due next Thrusday? On the syllabus it is confusing. Thanks!

Interior Design is what most people think of as a strictly creative field, but interior designers have a lot of technical issues they must be familiar and proficient with. They must be able to produce in writing any structural requirements of their plans, health and safety issues, building codes, and many other technical aspects that need to be taken into account when designing an interior space. Designers work with many kinds of people, so they must be able to communicate clearly and effectively their ideas, verbal agreements, and contractual issues in writing. They also need to have an understanding of how to write up business plans in order to protect and grow their practices. A large amount of an interior designers success comes from knowing how to market themselves to clients by create informative and persuasive proposals and presentations. A typical week as an Interior Designer for me is likely to be a least half spent writing the many different types of documents this job requires.

In pharmacy, there are many different kinds of writing that is necessary—but it depends on what part of pharmacy you go into. If you are in retail pharmacy (like CVS or Eckerd), a pharmacist will be writing execution reports, instructions for customers as to how to fill a prescription, instructions for technicians as to how to conduct themselves inside the pharmacy, and suggestions for how to improve business. In research, the writing would be grants, lab reports, journal articles, and information for the Internet. In both areas, instructions on how to administer the drug or treatment would be a very important piece of technical communication. Of the types of writing mentioned, it is very possible that it would be a very common, daily, occurrence in the jobs of pharmacists.

In Microbiology, there is a large range of technical writing. The writing can range from memos to colleagues to research findings meant for everyone in the field to read. I may also have to write letters to the general public regarding an issue that relates directly to them. I will have to write these different forms of technical writing differently since one is meant for the public and one for colleagues. The public does not have the same understanding of the subject as the colleagues do, so the writing for the public will be totally different.

In my field of microbiology, there is a lot of technical writing that is expected. Research findings will be one type of technical writing that will be required. Another is memos to people whether in the same company or in another company. I feel that I will have to do a great deal of this writing. Anytime that I do any research I will have to write a report on my findings and how I executed the research.

To me, technical writing is a form of communication that is concise and informative and used in the workplace. Technical writing is a way of communicating to where everyone knows what you are trying to say and can quickly get the information from the type of writing. In my internship, I used a lot of different technical writing forms. I used emails as forms of communication, essays to report my findings in my research, and memos to also communicate ideas to colleagues.

In addition to the different types of technical writing I mentioned in my last post, the field of nursing contains an even broader range of technical writing. In general, most nurses are required to take notes, record patient information, and complete other small writing tasks. Yet, there are countless directions a nurse can take; pediatrics, emergency room, home care, teaching. So, there are also many forms of technical writing a nurse might do in his or her career. Many with an undergraduate nursing degree will choose to further their education, completing their Masters, Doctorate, or other concentration. Therefore, they will be required to complete research and theses. So, the graduate students and researchers in nursing will write drafts and proposals, and they will analyze their results in a written document. Also, nurses can be writers for scientific journals, text books, or record their own research in books or educational pamphlets. Education is a part of nursing that involves many forms of technical communication. Teaching materials can be in written form, but they can also be done by oral communication and visuals. Education can be present at many levels; teaching undergraduate students, graduate students, or registered nurses. Nurses are also important in the education of patients and other lay people. So, they will often go to schools to teach certain health practices to children, or even to third world countries to educate the people about important preventative care methods. A final example is the use of technical writing by nurses in law. Many nurses are now going on to law school. There is a great need for medical professionals in law that can understand both the health system and the legal system due to the many malpractice suits, and other medical cases, that take place each year. All of these examples display that technical writing in nursing is as diverse as nursing itself.
Meredith Nell

Technical writing is an important aspect in the medical field. As a nurse, I would be expected to do several different types of writing to communicate with patients, physicians, and other nurses. One type of technical writing required for all levels of nursing is taking notes from lectures, texts, medical visits or procedures. In this way, the nurse can record information for their use or to communicate with physicians. Other forms of technical writing include recording patients’ diagnoses and gathering other data from patients to write up in care plans. A case history is another useful form of writing that is important in the present treatment, and also any future treatment, of a patient. These types of communication take place on a daily basis. Some writing is done continuously throughout the day. With every patient that is seen, notes, care plans, and case histories must be recorded. Skilled communication is crucial when you are relating a patient’s medical history. Miscommunication could lead to dangerous consequences for patients. So, technical writing is an important qualification that must be mastered.
Meredith Nell

Working in the packaging science field means that one could have any number of jobs in the long chain of the packaging development concept. Being in this field is like being a single (or a few) link(s) in a connection of interrelated elements in a process. People with a science background are needed to research and develop new materials and methods to use for making packaging. A designer has to come up with new ideas to use new materials to either wow consumers, cut costs, use new technology, or reduce environmental problems. Suppliers are needed to help the designer find the correct material at an efficient cost. Plants work hard to have good machine efficiency to produce quality and inexpensive components. Package testers go through many procedures to make sure packages and products are compatible. Marketing, sales, and graphics departments work together to decide on an effective visual display for customers while keeping costs down and appealing to retailers. Cost analysts have to understand the balance of quality and price.

Within all of these branches of the packaging system, the use of technical writing can range from extensive, in the case of the more scientific positions, to very concise and simple writing, in the case of the more business-related areas.

The unique thing about being a packaging scientist is that most graduates go through most or all of these stages throughout their careers. Most people get to experience every level of development, which leads to a well-rounded outlook and expertise. Because of this characteristic, I know that I will likely be involved in all of the technical writing done in my field throughout my career.

In my field of architecture there are many types of technical writing that must be done. The architect must communicate with a variety of people including clients, engineers, contractors, and city officials. The architect must write requests for building permits and other zoning issues that must be clearly communicated with city officials. The architect also has to clearly convey important information to engineers and contractors to insure that his/her building is designed and built correctly. This may require drawings with special written instructions or other specifications. The architect must also communicate very carefully with the client, making sure that the client understands the schedule and cost requirements of the project and also making sure that the client is receiving the building that best meets his needs.

In my field, pretending that my field is Coffee shop owners, I probably won't have to write a lot of reports once my business picks up. However, in the beginning I will need a lot of financial assistance because I am not naturally a millionaire. I will need supporters and bank loans. In order to achieve the money I need, I will have to convince people that I am a good asset. Through reports and presentations, I will have to communicate my intentions. This is probably some kind of technical writing, so I foresee quite a bit of writing at the beginning of my career. As time goes on, the actual writing part will decrease, but I bet I will have to do lots of technical communication with my employees and suppliers.

Initially when I read the words "technical" and "writing" seperately, I don't want to put them together. Technical means very little room for any kind of fun or expression. Technical is rigid with out any change or freedom. Writing is a wonderful form of expression that is completely open to anything in the entire universe. In my heart, there are zero restrictions with writing, so I don't like the concept of technical writing. However, depending on what my profession turns out to be, I may have to use some technical writing. Whether I own a little coffee shop or am a director of marketing for a big time company I will have to write at some point or another. I may have to write big proposals or simply work on supply order forms. Based on these completely different thoughts I have about technical and writing - I think I have very little knowledge of how technical and writing can be one, and also what it means to write technically in a working environment versus a personal environment.

“You must do proposals so you can do the science – I’d much rather just do the science.”
– Dr. John Meriwether

Writing is an integral part of any career in academia. There is of course the old adage of “publish or perish” whereby you must either publish your research or find yourself looking for a job when you fail to make tenure. Of course the proposal, research, and article writing are just a small part of a career in academics. The less public, but just as omnipresent, part involves writing lectures, tests, and reviews for classes and emails to students and coworkers. Working in the lab this summer it quickly became obvious that much of a senior researcher’s time is not spent doing any research but writing. The professor I work under would come by the lab as an escape from the project proposals, journal articles, bid requests, and other mundane, but important, tasks of writing.

Academia and writing go hand in hand. Without writing, the new knowledge being discovered every day would be meaningless – the knowledge would not be transferred to other scientists through journals or students through textbooks. Because of the necessity of writing in academics, I foresee it occupying a large amount of my time during my future career as a physics professor.

In the field of packaging science much writing is done. This field, like many others, is constantly evolving. New ideas are put to use all the time. These ideas would go nowhere without documented research and testing. Much of the technical done in my field has to do with this research and is usually in the form of reports and abstracts. I got the chance to do a lot of this on my internship with Estee Lauder's package testing lab in New York. Processes had to be documented, as were results at each stage, and a final report was drafted. There was usually a general template that had to be followed that was very specific in format. Some of the other writings in my field include reports and proposals of new ideas. These can be generated by those who test and also by people involved in the design, sales and marketing departments. Since documentation is key, almost every stage of package development requires writing, from the creative stage to the organization of a plan, the testing procedures, the prototype outline, the modifications, cost analysis, graphic design, transportation and distribution plans, and the final product idea and projected sales plan.

I anticipate having to do quite a lot of writing throughout my career. Many entry level jobs are in the lab, which require a great deal of writing. Other jobs such as designing, engineering, sales, marketing, etc. typically require less writing, and the writing is usually a different kind than is mentioned above. In a technical field like mine, I expect to always be doing some type of writing to accomplish tasks.

When something is referred to as technical, it means that it is precise, specific, and follows some sort of standard. Writing can be defined on many levels, as it is a way of expressing an idea, fact, or opinion with written words. Writing can take many forms. Within my profession of packaging science, technical writing is a way to communicate packaging design concepts, a way of recording research data, a method of reporting results, drafting proposals, etc. Personally, writing has always been one of my strong points, and I usually enjoy the process. It also happens that I like to produce technical writing, as I have always been interested in lab work and research. I feel that technical writing for me is a way to express one of my greatest strength.

I am a computer science major and have had the opportunity to work in this field at a professional level, though only briefly. From my experience, I have seen how technical writing is incorporated to the field. Documents that detail the goals and components of projects must be written and approved before the coding of a project is officially kicked off. Documents that clearly explain how pieces of software within a project must be written so that there is a record of how the software functions. From these documents users manuals and help files are written so that users can read and understand how to use the software and consult these documents if they encounter any problems during the software's use. From my experience the head of a project creates the documents that detail the goals of the project and explain how the software works. Once these documents are created they are submitted for approval by peers and supervisors. As an entry level programmer writing these documents will not be written too frequently, yet I would help to approve these documents and offer recommendations for improvement meaning. Once gaining more experience and heading an actual project, I would have to construct these documents myself and make revisions based upon reviews. There may also come occasional writings with customers that would require technical writing in order to convince the customer to use my company's services. Technical writing will be important to my job regardless of level, yet as I gain more experience I will need and use this skill more.

To me the term technical means something that is specialized or skilled while writing is simply putting thoughts and ideas onto paper or some other medium. Thus technical writing is a form of communication that expresses some type of informatoin in a clear, concise, professional, and intelligle way for the desired audience. Technical Writing can vary in purpose from convincing a person or group to use a particular course of action to explaining the details of a complex project to a person or group of outsiders. As a computer science major with some experience in the field, the term technical writing has the same meaning in the field as it does to me.

I am a Computer Information Systems major. This major consists of mainly computer science classes with some focus on business classes too. Thus, I have a very interesting major that will force me to develop technical writing skills. The business side of my major will force me to better understand the importance of writing memos, informational pamphlets for other business partners, and formal letters to "higher ups" in the company. This summer I did an internship with MetLife in Greenville. This location of MetLife was focused on Information Technology. My role in this company was to revise and edit Test Plans for the applications developed by other members on the team. These Test Plans are a prime example of how technical writing can invade the computer science industry. The plans had to be written in a way that would directly express how the computer programs worked and how they were tested. The business partners were the audience of such test plans and thus, we had to explain information in a way that they would understand. Another example of technical writing that can be witnessed in this major are business letters and memos written to other teams within the company. Other types of writing within my field include instructional pamphlets, descriptions of programs, and instructional text books published by computer scientist.

Upon graduation, I anticipate doing a lot of technical writing. Since I will be entering the business world, I expect to write pamphlets defending computer programs that I wrote or descriptions explaining how my programs works. I also anticipate writing Test Plans and memos to other members of my team at work. If I decide to pursue graduate school, I will write several documents pertaining to my research.

Technical writing is a type of writing that is used to express clear and concise information to a specific audience. The main goal of such writing is to inform and explain material to such an audience. An example of technical writing can be seen in business letters, memos, owner's manuals, instruction manuals, and even in directions to specific places. These are good examples of technical writing because they provide concise information from one party to another. Technical communication expands beyond the boundaries of technical writing itself. Verbal presentations, infomercials, and instructional videos can all be seen as technical communication--where technical writing can is found in the transcripts.

Being a Computer Information Systems major gives me plenty of opportunities to develop my technical writing skills. The business side of this degree would require me to write memos and formal documents that convey specific information to business partners. The more technical side of my degree, computer science, would force me to write test plans and proposals for new software ideas. It is necessary to thoroughly test programs that I write and explain how these programs are designed to work. All this information would be broken down for the business partners in a very technical terms.

Medicine is obviously a fairly technical writing intensive field, and there numerous examples of different types of technical writing used within medicine. This technical writing can be found anywhere from informational pamphlets to educate patients about disease treatment and prevention, to papers written by the foremost doctors in the country on unusual cases which they have encountered and on the discovery of new or different treatments for disease. Technical writing is definitely very commonly encountered in medicine, but the number of people who actually write these papers is fairly limited.
It is not expected that the average doctor would alone produce a large amount of technical writing in his or her lifetime, but there are some instances where they may have to write some. This is especially true during the early years of medicine, where papers, research, and proposals will all have to be written in the form of technical writing. Over time, once a doctor’s practice is established, the amount of technical writing which will actually have to be done by the doctor will be fairly stable. Depending on the type of physician, the most technical writing he or she may do is memos to the office staff, or letters to the leadership of the hospital. Of course, there are certain physicians who do enormous amounts of technical writing; on the whole, doctors may not compose technical papers very often, yet the knowledge of the skills of technical writing is a prerequisite for success for any professional especially a physician.

Just a quick note: Someone brought to my attention that some of the links for the reading today weren't working, so I fixed them. Try to give them a quick read before class today. Thank you.

T. F.

Technical writing is a type of writing used to convey important information in a clear and understandable way. The goal is to provide vital information to a specific audience that may be unfamiliar with the topic. Technical writing can be instruction manuals, resumes, business letters, or proposals.

In the field of architecture, technical writing can be very important. The architect may need to write out specific instructions for engineers or contractors to follow. The architect must also be able to submit requests for building permits and other documentation from the city government. Because the field of architecture requires so much interaction between different designers and engineers, good technical writing skills would be very useful in facilitating the communication between these parties.

Technical writing is a significant tool used to interest, to persuade, and to convey information to a target audience. Writing is the activity of recording and communicating information through written language. The term “technical” implies the application of a special skill, and is often used in describing scientific fields. As a Nursing major I can apply these common understandings of the terms to my field, as well. Technical writing will be a vital skill to develop. Whether I am carefully writing up a patient’s report, ensuring that it is both thorough and understandable, or publishing important research findings for the medical community, the proper use of technical writing will be necessary.
Meredith Nell

Technical writing is the process of conveying written information, facts, procedures, instructions, or data in a detailed, easily understandable way. To create a something using a technical writing style, the writer should always take into consideration the audience. Their previous knowledge, intrest, and experience in the subject all shape the document by outlining for the writer what level of language and word choices to use. It also helps decide how detailed the author can go into the subject.

Interior Designers use a variety of technical writing styles. The main technical writing piece used between Interior Designers and the firms they often work for are project proposals, interoffice communications, and written bids for jobs. These pieces of communication are often very detailed and need to be conveyed in a precise, understandable medium. They also use technical communication heavily when working directly with a client on a project. Clients need to have a formal, written way to see and understand cost projections and detailed plans for the project. It is important to have this objective communication between designers and clients so there is no confusion on either side about what it is the designer is expected to do and has planned to do.

Technical writing is a type of writing that effectively conveys information to the professional world. Technical writing includes special formats and techniques needed to create job related writings. Different types of technical writings include applications, resumes, proposals, oral reports and recommendation letters. Technical writing has certain processes and structures that are unique to professionals.

Technical writing is conveying information to another person or persons using business letters, technical manuals, or other means of conveying ideas and information.

Technical writing is the art of conveying information. It can be in the form of guides, textbooks, memos, letters, pamphlets, posters or any other medium that allows for the written transfer of knowledge. Technical writing is unique in that it is always going to be part of our life – although we might not think of using technical writing at this point in our lives, we have all had to follow some form of directions at least once. Another aspect of technical writing is its need to be bound by ethical standards; we trust that when we read something factual it is indeed fact.

As it pertains to experimental physics, technical writing is the key to career success. One must write grant proposals to bring in funding to their institution. Then one must keep meticulous written records so the findings of one research can be compiled and published. Without technical writing there would be no point to research as we would be unable to convey knowledge to one another.

Technical writing is explaining, to a particular audience, a certain subject, for a reason. Some examples are instruction manuals for building furniture, a recipe, or a guide brochure at a museum. Technical writers need to pick their audience so that they use correct language—so that they don’t speak down to or above a group’s understanding. Choosing and staying with a topic is important because the topic must be fully explained and comprehended by the audience. The writer must always have the goal in mind because the whole point of writing is for it to be achieved, i.e. the table is built or the tourist easily navigates the museum.

Technical writing is used often in the field of pharmacy. Writing grants to discover new drugs, explaining side effects in the drug information sheet, and even explaining the schedule of taking the drugs are all examples of how technical communication is imperative in this area.

Technical writing is a field in which people write useful information in a way which is easy for the intended audience to understand. This seems as if it could become quite difficult, especially as the subject matter becomes more and more complex. Technical writers are usually thought of as the people who write instructions, user manuals, and guidelines, but there are many other examples in almost any field. In genetics, there is a large demand for technical writers when dealing with research. Nearly everyone involved in the research process should be well versed in technical writing in order to convey their research findings. Probably more important is their ability to do so in a way in which their colleagues can understand: whether they are writing papers on their findings, or applying for grants for funding of their research.

Greetings Fall 06 Students! Welcome to the weblog. Remember that this is a space for you to use as you wish in addition to answering the writing prompts and assignments for me.

For your first post, please answer the following question as it applies to you and (especially) your discipline and/or major: What *is* "technical writing"? Make sure to give a few examples as well as describing what makes something qualify as technical writing. (Roughly 1 - 2 paragraphs, if you're looking for a guideline as to length.) See you on Tuesday.

T. F.