Hello I'm a technical author with a BA Hons in Technical Communication and 9 years experience in the software industry. I have worked on engineering manuals aimed at all levels of users, ranging from basic operators that may not be too familiar with PCs right up to administrators that have server configuration knowledge. The manuals/on-line help/tutorials that I have written are unavailable to the public as they are tied in with legal contracts. They explain how to set up, operate and program specialist software for use in the utilities industries. They are used all over the world (primarily in Australia, Canada, and here in the UK but also in the Middle East). I may be interested in this role, but like most of the other writers on here, I'm a little put off by the amount of hours required. 40 hours is more than I worked as a full-time technical author (and I still work part-time as a technical author, so that would be a problem too). I have no problem getting to grips with new, unfamiliar technology or explaining it in simple terms. If you're interested in what I have to offer, get in touch via craigwright@straygoat.com
PS - As for the argument above. I feel the most important aspects of being a technical author are: 1. Understanding the needs of the reader. 2. Being able to write clearly without ambiguity 3. An ability to explain a process in full, including what needs to happen, who needs to put these actions into effect, what the results of these actions will be and most importantly the reasons why and these actions need to take place. In my experience, the main shortcoming of technical documents is that they fail to answer this important question - why?
Amen brother. People don't seem to understand that if they don't/can't take the time to read a job advertisement properly when applying then how can we be expected to assume that their listening/comprehension skills are going to be any better when they actually need to listen to accomplish the goals of the project. I've pm'ed you for further details on this project and with my responses to your questions.
Wow! I was wondering why should YOU hire anymore writers as I'm Damn sure you won't find anybody here as "YOU"nique as you are and as skilled as you are in Language. Searching for those mistakes may be a stupidity but I still find it interesting, for many guys are here who does not have anything else to do. Lol! I do appreciate the way you hire writers! All the very best for your future ventures!