ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I have to be a good writer to get into this field?

As our textbook says, you have to be reasonably good at writing technical information (information that "accompanies a
product" or describes something scientific). Your writing must make the information

• easy to use (task-oriented, accurate, complete)
• easy to understand (clear, concrete, plain style)
• easy to find (organized, retrievable [index, table of contents, cross-references, indicative headings], visually
  effective [headings, bullets, tables]

Is the technical writer working alone responsible for carrying the entire project from beginning to end?

That depends on the project. Some projects have multiple writers; some maintain existing documentation.

Do technical writers create annual reports for the corporation?

Generally no. The front section of an annual reports falls under the category of marketing communications (marcom), and
often attempts to impress the reader/viewer with graphic design; the back section is financial accounting and projections.

Does this class develop writing skills typically employed in high-tech marketing (press releases and copy for
brochures).

Not directly. Marketing communications is a different field. This class is designed specifically for technical writing, but it
will also strengthen general writings skills. The portfolio piece you produce for this class might help you obtain a writing
position--and perhaps even a marcom position--for technically-oriented products.

Is this class useful for an engineer in a product development group who writes proposals, product definition papers,
technical papers, and presentations on product "buy-in" strategies?

Yes, this class stresses technical communication, and it sounds like all these types of communication are aimed at
technical audiences.