The Gap between Technical Writers and Non-technical Readers

This is nothing new. There has always been a giant gap between technical writers who are trained to write in a fashion that is aimed at educating people about all the stuff that they are trying to convey to the readers. Hence, technical writers, like a lawyer, will have a huge problem writing for people like you and me. I have yet to meet a technical writer or someone in a very scientific industry write a very personal and easy-to-read blog! The last thing I want to read when I am surfing on the internet is to have to wade through all the weird techno words that just flies past my head.

That is why technical writers who are trained to write technical manuals everyday have to get accustomed to writing for normal people. This is not to say that people in a very technical job can never write a popular blog or make a living writing for a living or launch a freelance writing career...the learning curve is going to be a rather steep one.

I am standing on no one's side on this because the frustration felt by a technical writer is very real. To feel the frustration, just imagine if you're a doctor and you're trying to start a blog aimed at educating everyday folks about the danger of using too much salt when they cook, it's definitely not an easy task trying to simplify everything so that the readers can understand or at least take an idea or two with them before they click away from the website or blog.

Hence, the technical writer faces an incredible level of stress when writing on the Internet. I had the same problem because I used to write legal documents and letters on behalf of the bank that I was working for threatening a law suit or suggesting payment structures. And when I moved out and started my freelance writing career, I was frustrated. Thankfully, I am a fast learner and I sympathize with people who are in that position.

With the way the world is evolving right now with Information Technology taking over every corner of our lives except for when we're sleeping (even THAT can become questionable on fine day. Who knows?), the gap between technical writers and non-technical readers will forever exist in this modern day and age unless there's a go-between. The go-between would have to be someone who understands the technical part of the content and possess the skill of putting all those thoughts, ideas and advice into an article that common folks can understand and find useful.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marsha Maung is a freelance writer who has been writing for the Internet in websites, blogs, newsletter, ezines and sales sites for a decade. Here, she shares her experience as a writer with you in hope of... well, more people can understand freelance writers sometimes DON'T HAVE TO use big words to make big waves...