As the Paradigm Shifts: Skills Technical Communications Will Need in the Coming Ice Age
http://www.stc.org/confproceed/1995/PDFs/PG212215.PDF

Cheirrett, Peg A.
STC Proceedings
1995

Abstract:

Forces are converging in the mid-90's that threaten to change the shape of technical communication forever. This paper-attempts to examine a few important manifestations of the coming ICE age (Information, Communication, Entertainment): business pressures to shrink documentation; a manifesto to move from paper to online documentation; a growing emphasis on making the user successful; a convergence of documentation and training; and the explosion of multimedia/interactive media. This paper then predicts what new skills technical communicators must develop in order to remain marketable -- and grasp opportunity -- during this period of great change.