San Francisco Technical Writer Available

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I'm moving to San Francisco in a couple weeks. I got laid off my last job. I think my Asperger's may have added to the reasons they picked me as one of the people to be laid off. But I could be wrong, because so many people in my company seem to have it, and seem to be totally unaware that they do. I work in the software business, and I have been thinking that I need to write a paper about the effects of having so many people with Asperger's create technology. Without awareness of their differentness they can be allowed to emphasize the machine side of the equation and ignore the user friendliness. Funny thing is, I'm really good at writing very user friendly documentation for software. It may be that I just need to be in a more liberal city. Hence, my move from Pasadena to San Francisco. Plus my main interests are Blues Harmonica, Blues dancing, Zen, all of which are awesome in San Francisco.

So, if your company has a job for a technical writer in the Bay Area/Silicon Valley, PM me with info.

If you're a tech writer for software, please also introduce yourself to me. I would like to toss around some issues about this career.

I don't have any job information, but it's interesting to meet another person with Asperger's who is a technical writer. I'm finishing my degree in Scientific and Technical Communication and have been agonizing lately about whether or not I would be able to do well in the field. I was told by counselors when selecting my major that I should perhaps pick something with less communication like computer science of computer networking and systems administration, but I felt like Technical Communication was right for me. I hope you find a new job!

All jobs take communication, cmyoung. I think you did the right thing to stick with what you're interested in. As a tech writer you usually have to interview people about products, but some companies provide written specs for you to write from. You will, however, have to ask questions of the authors and other subject matter experts. So I think this will help you: When you have questions, first, brain storm if there's another way to find the answer (reread any written docs and/or reverse engineer the software or whatever you're writing about). Gather several questions at once and prepare them beforehand. Email sometimes (but remember, they'll write back and they aren't trained writers, so you'll probably have followup questions). Once you know what you really have to ask in person, you'll be prepared and it will go better. Spread your questions among several people who likely have the answers. That way you're less trouble to any one person. Hope that suggestion helps.

Yes, that helps a lot! Thank you very much!