This debate has come up several times in several places: How old IS Technical Communication?
I've mentioned on this list and others that my grandfather was (and still thinks he is) a technical writer. He'll assure you that there were technical writers before him (though he's doubtful there are many good ones today). In a graduate class I asserted that the Old Testament is an instructional manual--at least a couple of the books are quite technical. And the Kama Sutra and similar ancient texts document "processes and procedures" or instruct on common practices. Technical writing, althought not called that, has existed for millenia. As a profession, it has existed for around a century. As a field of study, perhaps, it may only have existed for around 50 years. That much I would allow. :) Arroxane ________________________________________________________________________ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com. ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. Interactive 3D Documentation Parts catalogs, animated instructions, and more. www.i3deverywhere.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
