The Future of Technical Communication: The Perspective of a Management Consultant
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/stc/tc/2005/00000052/00000003/art00003
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  peer-reviewed

Hackos, JoAnn T.
Technical Communication Online
2005

Abstract:

This commentary summarizes the seven articles in this special issue and also argues that technical communication as a profession is in the midst of a disruption caused by low-cost innovators. Technical communicators can counter this trend by drastically reducing costs and increasing productivity in current operations. But the most valuable strategy is the difficult task of pursuing customer knowledge, which is difficult to replicate by those with little access to customers. Working for the customer and providing them with the information they need to be successful in using products and systems is critical to the future of technical communication.