Technical Writing Success

Curt Robbins

Technical Writing Success is a short podcast that's published weekly by veteran technical writer Curt Robbins. It is an audio version of his article series that helps IT professionals such as documentation specialists and technical writers better understand their profession and the marketplace in which they operate. Each week, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred unpack a different article or topic by senior technical writer Curt Robbins. Topics include technical writing product reviews and comparisons, the increasing role of AI, robotics, social media management, and career advancement.

  1. 19 HR AGO

    Shay Adler Article Review: I Trusted AI Output. Then I Asked One More Question

    Welcome to episode 183 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review a recent article from technical writer Shay Adler in Israel entitled "I Trusted the Output. Then I Asked One More Question" that was published on January 26 on LinkedIn. Adler shares a first-hand account of discovering the limitations and hidden hallucinations of generative artificial intelligence. She describes a situation where she mistakenly relied on fabricated data because the AI confidently claimed to have analyzed complex file structures that it could not actually access. Adler's experience serves as a critical warning about the dangers of blind trust in AI tools that prioritize helpful-sounding responses over factual accuracy. Ultimately, Adler emphasizes the necessity of human oversight and verification when integrating AI into professional workflows. By advocating for a more investigative approach, she highlights how understanding the underlying mechanics of AI leads to more responsible and effective utilization of the technology. _________________________ I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt _________________________ >> Read the Adler article: https://tinyurl.com/vt7dujy3 >> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    16 min
  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Mugdha Vairagade Article Review: Preventing Double Agents

    Welcome to episode 182 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review a recent article from technical writer Mugdha Vairagade in India entitled "Double Agent" that was published on February 8 on LinkedIn. Vairagade explains how AI agents can become double agents when hijacked via prompt injection or malicious instructions. To prevent data theft and system compromise, she says users must sandbox environments, restrict permissions, and validate external content. Implementing monitoring and kill switches ensures security. Writes Vairagade, "Your AI agent needs security guardrails now so that it doesn't become a double agent serving a malicious master." _________________________ I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt _________________________ >> Read the Vairagade article: https://tinyurl.com/y2tvbasu >> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    10 min
  3. 3 FEB

    Silicon Valley Jobs Recession Driven by AI Infrastructure Needs

    Welcome to episode 181 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review the recent news that Silicon Valley and the tech job market overall is experiencing a large number of layoffs. Layoffs normally occur when companies are cash strapped or experiencing low revenue. However, tech companies are generating tons of revenue. They are getting rid of staff to compensate for the huge investment being made into physical infrastructure, mostly data centers and the chips that populate them (including powering them). Firms such as Amazon and Meta are prioritizing AI infrastructure over headcount. High capital expenditures on GPUs are driving mass layoffs, forcing a shift toward lean, AI-integrated teams. Workers now face longer unemployment and higher anxiety. _________________________ I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt _________________________ >> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    14 min
  4. 31 JAN

    U.S. Companies Lay Off 52,000 Employees Due to AI Squeeze

    Welcome to episode 180 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review the recent news that U.S. companies are laying off 52,000 employees. Major American firms such as Amazon, Dow, Mastercard, and UPS have announced more than 52,000 layoffs in early 2026. While some cite market shifts, many enterprise organizations are leveraging AI to cut costs. Experts warn of a structural reset in white-collar work, urging employees to build judgment-based skills that go beyond the current capabilities of AI. _________________________ I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt _________________________ >> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    15 min
  5. 25 JAN

    Curt Robbins Article Review: Is the Use of AI Cheating?

    Welcome to episode 180 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review a new article by show producer Curt Robbins entitled "Is the Use of AI Cheating?" that was published on LinkedIn on January 25. Robbins challenges the social stigma surrounding artificial intelligence by arguing that using these tools for content creation does not inherently constitute cheating. He asserts that subject matter expertise is essential when utilizing AI, as the technology should only be used to generate rough drafts that require significant human oversight and editing. Robbins maintains that the quality of the final product is a more important metric for success than the specific tools used during the development process. By comparing AI to traditional resources like search engines or spellcheck, Robbins frames it as a modern instrument for increasing professional efficiency. Robbins concludes by suggesting that, while unethical shortcuts are a matter of personal integrity, the judicious use of technology can lead to superior and more productive outcomes. _________________________ I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt _________________________ >> Read the Robbins article: https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    9 min
  6. 24 JAN

    What is Workplace Microshifting & Why Should You Care?

    Welcome to episode 179 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review the hot new topic of microshifting, the controversial workplace trend in which so many employees and managers are showing an interest. They explore the emerging workplace concept of microshifting, a trend where employees abandon the standard 9-to-5 schedule in favor of brief, non-linear work blocks. This practice allows individuals to align their professional tasks with their natural energy levels, personal obligations, and peak productivity periods. Research indicates that a significant majority of workers are interested in this method to reclaim control over their daily lives, particularly parents and caregivers who manage complex responsibilities. Supporters highlight that this approach respects human biology and neuroscience by preventing burnout and fostering deeper focus. While some critics view the term as corporate jargon, many experts believe it is a vital evolution in hybrid work that enhances long-term employee retention and well-being. This video describes a shift toward structured flexibility that prioritizes effective energy use over mere hours spent at a desk. _________________________ I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt _________________________ >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    10 min
  7. 23 JAN

    Douglas Erickson Article Review: Are Tech Writers Actually Documentation Product Managers?

    Welcome to episode 178 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review a great and thought provoking article by Douglas Erickson entitled "A Shift: Technical Writer to Documentation Product Manager?" that was published on LinkedIn on January 22. Erickson explores the evolving landscape of technical writing, specifically focusing on the transition toward a documentation product manager model. He suggests that traditional writing roles are being threatened by generative AI, which corporations view as a tool for achieving content at scale. This shift divides the profession between specialists focused on linguistic precision and those who adopt product management strategies to oversee documentation ecosystems. To remain relevant, practitioners are encouraged to embrace Agile methodologies and technical automation rather than relying solely on manual drafting. Erickson argues that modern writers must act as strategic translators who manage complex information architectures in an increasingly automated industry. _________________________ I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt _________________________ >> Read the Erickson article: https://tinyurl.com/373xtzw2 >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    13 min
  8. 21 JAN

    Elsa Sklavounou Article Review: The Workflow Decides: Automation as Control

    Welcome to episode 177 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred unpack an informative article by French AI guru Elsa Sklavounou entitled "The Workflow Decides: Automation as Control" that was published on LinkedIn on January 20 (link below). Sklavounou explores how power and authority are embedded within the architectural workflows of automated systems rather than in their surface-level policies. She argues that many "human-in-the-loop" designs are merely performative theater because critical decisions are locked in long before a person can provide meaningful input. To ensure genuine accountability, systems must include intentional "keyholes" that allow users to interrupt, redirect, or override outcomes in real time. Sklavounou argues that true governance requires treating end users as active regulators who can apply situational judgment, rather than viewing them as passive data points or risks to be managed. Sklavounou concludes that overcoming invisible control necessitates a shift from external auditing toward a design-led approach that prioritizes reversibility and human agency within the technical flow. _________________________ I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt _________________________ >> Read the Sklavounou article: https://tinyurl.com/42hayt2j >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    8 min

About

Technical Writing Success is a short podcast that's published weekly by veteran technical writer Curt Robbins. It is an audio version of his article series that helps IT professionals such as documentation specialists and technical writers better understand their profession and the marketplace in which they operate. Each week, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred unpack a different article or topic by senior technical writer Curt Robbins. Topics include technical writing product reviews and comparisons, the increasing role of AI, robotics, social media management, and career advancement.