Technical Writers Create Meaning

Technical writers take an organization's information and convert it into language that creates clarity and meaning for readers. To some writers, the medium of hypertext may, at first, appear ineffective. Since readers are left to organize the material to suit their needs, hypertext, in a sense, makes them co-authors of the piece. In more advanced hypertext systems, the readers may work collaboratively and add to the document, making links to their work or adding on comments for others to review. The medium makes us ask: What purpose, then, does the writer serve?

Actually, writers do not have to relinquish all their control over a document when they enter the sphere of hypertext. Rather than handing over the control of information to the user, the writer's job is to ensure the information is easily accessible to users so that anyone could find it. At the same time, the writer must also anticipate any needs the user may encounter. Technical writers must always keep the audience and the task that they will perform in mind when considering hypertext. In addition, some information is more suited to hypertext than other information; it is not always the viable solution to easy access of information. For example, an instruction manual containing information for assembling and starting a computer does not belong in a hypertext document.

Writing for hypertext is similar to writing a persuasive argument, where the writer must consider all the arguments that may surface and prepare suitable counter-arguments. However, in hypertext format, instead of guiding readers step-by-step toward an irrefutable conclusion, the writer must have all arguments and all counter-arguments ready at all times.