Tech Writer Survey Report:  In-Between Workers

6/26/2002

1.    What best describes your status?

Responses for this field: 359

2.    How long have you been looking for work?

Responses for this field: 356

3.    What kind of writing do you do? (list all that apply)

Responses for this field: 1286

4.   How many years have you been a technical writer?

Responses for this field: 358

5.    What concerns you most about finding quality employment in the writing field?

Responses for this field: 358

6.   How do you feel about the future of a technical writing career?

Responses for this field: 358

7.   Do you like the technical writing field and are you going to stay in it?

Responses for this field: 354

8.   What do you feel have the most overall potential over the next 5 years? (Rank from 1-8; 1 being highest)

On-line help

Responses for this field: 330

Training development/e-learning

Responses for this field: 331

Software documentation

Responses for this field: 330

Hardware documentation

Responses for this field: 309

Marketing communications

Responses for this field: 302

Web content

Responses for this field: 318

General documentation

Responses for this field: 297

Other

Responses for this field: 240

9.   Do you think there should be a formal certification for tech writers?

Responses for this field: 356

10. To maintain employment and to have a successful career a writer should: (Rank from 1-7; 1 being highest)

Continue to learn new tools

Responses for this field: 345

Become an expert in a primary area

Responses for this field: 337

Improve industry knowledge

Responses for this field: 327

Diversify their skill sets (on-line, web marketing, training etc.)

Responses for this field: 332

Network and sell skills and services

Responses for this field: 322

Move up the ladder/gain management experience

Responses for this field: 314

Other

Responses for this field: 241

11.   Besides compensation, what do you most look for in a technical writing opportunity?

Responses for this field: 358

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