Becoming a Subject Matter Expert
As technical writers we frequently have to become superficial subject matter experts to ask the right questions of the real experts, and structure information for end-user consumption. How do we approach a new subject?1. Review manuals for similar equipment.
2. Talk to the engineers and review technical information available to you like requirements documents, specifications, designs, and drawings.
3. Check industry specific journals.
4. Read engineering primers.
Recently, I've discovered a website that serves as a starting point for many school projects these days, www.howstuffworks.com. I've used it myself when I've tackled something completely new.
I should also confess that years of watching Discovery channel mean I at least recognize the jargon for topics I know very little about. I love that I've been at this long enough that coming up to speed is much shorter and much more comfortable.
I'm still looking for new sources of information.
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