Technical Writing Success

Curt Robbins
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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. 16 HR AGO

    Robert Delwood Interview Review: The Programmer Writer

    Welcome to episode 192 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition.  Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review an interview with Robert Delwood, a veteran specialist who explores the unique intersection of software engineering and technical writing. Delwood argues that effective API documentation requires a "programmer-writer" who can read source code, build their own tools, and communicate fluently with developers. He offers practical advice for the field, such as the importance of testing every API call personally and focusing on high-quality content over specific software tools. Additionally, the rare interview addresses the impact of artificial intelligence, suggesting that while AI can assist with coding routines and research, it cannot yet replace the human precision needed for complex technical explanations. The interview concludes by advocating for a specialized approach to developer documentation that treats it as a distinct discipline, rather than a secondary task. _________________________________ "It will not be AI that takes away the job of a technical writer, but rather another technical writer with deep AI skills," said Robbins. I am 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 Delwood interview: https://tinyurl.com/yh7nknpb >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "The Year AI Went Nuclear: Six Largest M&A Deals of 2025": https://tinyurl.com/2vys3mrm >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding AI Hallucinations in Technical Writing": https://tinyurl.com/bdeyd64t >> Read the Robbins article "Yale Study: Impact of AI on the Job Market": https://tinyurl.com/f3cuvvxn >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/bdfv63ca >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding Anthropic: Rising Star in AI": https://tinyurl.com/46btw22z >> Read the Robbins article "Comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, & Grok": https://tinyurl.com/3zwttxhk >> Read the Robbins article "AI Job Replacement Fears Are Good. Here's Why.": https://tinyurl.com/p5t27t7d >> Join the LinkedIn group AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the Technical Writing Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/uu9hpyzt >> Subscribe to the YouTube channel AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/29t4x5xu

    11 min

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    S.J. Williamson Article Review: AI to Ease Email Emotions

    Welcome to episode 191 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review an article from writing instructor S.J. Williamson that explores how artificial intelligence can mitigate the anxiety and negative emotions associated with professional email communication. Williamson emphasizes how neurodivergent individuals and those in academia face significant stress due to high inbox volumes, expectations of immediate responses, and the difficulty of interpreting rhetorical tone. By using AI as a "social spy" or collaborative partner, writers can generate professional templates, overcome cognitive blocks, and handle sensitive situations such as digital bullying with greater composure. However, Williamson cautions users to anonymize private data to comply with privacy laws and to treat AI outputs as starting points that require human revision. Williamson argues that AI serves as a valuable tool for improving self-esteem and fostering more effective, less emotionally taxing workplace interactions. _________________________________ "It will not be AI that takes away the job of a technical writer, but rather another technical writer with deep AI skills," said Robbins. I am 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 Williamson article: https://tinyurl.com/ha9hmzvs >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "The Year AI Went Nuclear: Six Largest M&A Deals of 2025": https://tinyurl.com/2vys3mrm >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding AI Hallucinations in Technical Writing": https://tinyurl.com/bdeyd64t >> Read the Robbins article "Yale Study: Impact of AI on the Job Market": https://tinyurl.com/f3cuvvxn >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/bdfv63ca >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding Anthropic: Rising Star in AI": https://tinyurl.com/46btw22z >> Read the Robbins article "Comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, & Grok": https://tinyurl.com/3zwttxhk >> Read the Robbins article "AI Job Replacement Fears Are Good. Here's Why.": https://tinyurl.com/p5t27t7d >> Join the LinkedIn group AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the Technical Writing Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/uu9hpyzt >> Subscribe to the YouTube channel AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/29t4x5xu

    9 min

  3. 3 DAYS AGO

    Victoria Lazarus Newsletter Review: Hidden Skill Every Tech Writer Must Master

    Welcome to episode 190 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition.  In this episode, hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review an article from senior technical writer Victoria Oluchi Lazarus in Nigeria entitled "The Hidden Skill Every Technical Writer Must Master" that was published on LinkedIn on February 23. Lazarus emphasizes that structured thinking is the most critical underlying skill for effective technical writing. Rather than focusing solely on grammar or software tools, she argues that writers must prioritize organizing complex information into logical, user-centered frameworks. According to Lazarus, this mental discipline allows creators to bridge the gap between chaotic technical data and clear, actionable guidance for the reader. By asking targeted questions and mapping information hierarchies, writers can transform difficult concepts into seamless journeys. Ultimately, the source suggests that the true value of a technical communicator lies in their ability to design understanding through intentional mental blueprints. _________________________________ "It will not be AI that takes away the job of a technical writer, but rather another technical writer with deep AI skills," said Robbins. I am 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 Lazarus article: https://tinyurl.com/5e8v3m4m >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "The Year AI Went Nuclear: Six Largest M&A Deals of 2025": https://tinyurl.com/2vys3mrm >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding AI Hallucinations in Technical Writing": https://tinyurl.com/bdeyd64t >> Read the Robbins article "Yale Study: Impact of AI on the Job Market": https://tinyurl.com/f3cuvvxn >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/bdfv63ca >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding Anthropic: Rising Star in AI": https://tinyurl.com/46btw22z >> Read the Robbins article "Comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, & Grok": https://tinyurl.com/3zwttxhk >> Read the Robbins article "AI Job Replacement Fears Are Good. Here's Why.": https://tinyurl.com/p5t27t7d >> Join the LinkedIn group AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the Technical Writing Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/uu9hpyzt >> Subscribe to the YouTube channel AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/29t4x5xu

    12 min

  4. 5 DAYS AGO

    Maria Sivenkova Article Review: How I Handle AI Drift in Real Work

    Welcome to episode 189 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition.  In this episode, hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review an article from senior technical writer Maria Sivenkova in Berlin entitled "AI Ace Chronicle #3: How I Handle AI Drift in Real Work" that was published on February 10. Sivenkova offers practical strategies for managing AI drift, which occurs when large language models lose focus or shift roles during a task. She highlights intent drift, advising users to avoid asking meta-questions or pursuing tangential suggestions that can clutter the model's "attention span." She also discusses role drift, noting that complex technical tasks can cause an AI to mistakenly switch from a specific persona, like a technical writer, to a different one, like a researcher. To counter these failures, the source suggests sequencing work into smaller stages and maintaining strict conversational boundaries to ensure the output remains accurate. Ultimately, the article advocates for a disciplined, human-led approach to collaboration that treats AI tools with the same patience and recalibration used in creative arts. _________________________________ "It will not be AI that takes away the job of a technical writer, but rather another technical writer with deep AI skills," said Robbins. I am 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 Sivenkova article: https://tinyurl.com/3sc94m2n >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "The Year AI Went Nuclear: Six Largest M&A Deals of 2025": https://tinyurl.com/2vys3mrm >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding AI Hallucinations in Technical Writing": https://tinyurl.com/bdeyd64t >> Read the Robbins article "Yale Study: Impact of AI on the Job Market": https://tinyurl.com/f3cuvvxn >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/bdfv63ca >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding Anthropic: Rising Star in AI": https://tinyurl.com/46btw22z >> Read the Robbins article "Comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, & Grok": https://tinyurl.com/3zwttxhk >> Read the Robbins article "AI Job Replacement Fears Are Good. Here's Why.": https://tinyurl.com/p5t27t7d >> Join the LinkedIn group AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the Technical Writing Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/uu9hpyzt >> Subscribe to the YouTube channel AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/29t4x5xu

    17 min

  5. 14 MAR

    Xenia Wade Article Review: AI Shame - Why Half Your Workforce Is Hiding Their AI Use

    Welcome to episode 188 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition.  In this episode, hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review an article from Dr. Xenia Wade in Japan entitled "AI Shame: Why Half Your Workforce Is Hiding Their AI Use (And What It’s Really Costing You)" that was published on March 14. The Wade article explores the phenomenon of AI Shame, a psychological barrier where nearly half of employees and over half of executives hide their use of artificial intelligence to avoid being perceived as lazy or incompetent. Research indicates a measurable competence penalty, showing that workers—especially women—are judged more harshly when their output is known to be AI-assisted, regardless of the work's actual quality. This culture of secrecy leads to the rise of shadow AI, where staff use unapproved tools that create significant security and compliance risks for their organizations. To combat this, Wade argues that leaders must foster psychological safety by openly sharing their own AI experiences and shifting the focus from tool choice to final results. Ultimately, Wade claims that successful technological integration requires addressing these human emotional barriers and identity shifts rather than focusing solely on technical training. _________________________________ "It will not be AI that takes away the job of a technical writer, but rather another technical writer with deep AI skills," said Robbins. I am 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 Wade article: https://tinyurl.com/ahfdry66 >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "The Year AI Went Nuclear: Six Largest M&A Deals of 2025": https://tinyurl.com/2vys3mrm >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding AI Hallucinations in Technical Writing": https://tinyurl.com/bdeyd64t >> Read the Robbins article "Yale Study: Impact of AI on the Job Market": https://tinyurl.com/f3cuvvxn >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/bdfv63ca >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding Anthropic: Rising Star in AI": https://tinyurl.com/46btw22z >> Read the Robbins article "Comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, & Grok": https://tinyurl.com/3zwttxhk >> Read the Robbins article "AI Job Replacement Fears Are Good. Here's Why.": https://tinyurl.com/p5t27t7d >> Join the LinkedIn group AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the Technical Writing Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/uu9hpyzt >> Subscribe to the YouTube channel AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/29t4x5xu

    16 min

  6. 14 MAR

    Ihuoma Anosike Article Review: Is AI Really Going to Replace Technical Writers?

    Welcome to episode 187 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition.  In this episode, hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review an insightful article from Ihuoma Anosike, a technical writer from Nigeria, entitled "Is AI Really Going to Replace Technical Writers?" that was published on LinkedIn. The Anosike article explores the anxiety surrounding AI’s role in the future of technical writing, drawing on professional insights and recent industry research. While AI can efficiently handle repetitive tasks and structural drafts, Anosike emphasizes that it lacks the human empathy and judgment required for complex documentation. Experts suggest that the profession is not disappearing, but rather evolving toward a collaborative model where writers act as strategic editors and content architects. Consequently, Anosike argues that job security belongs to those who embrace AI as a tool to enhance their efficiency and technical depth. Ultimately, she concludes that human oversight remains indispensable for verifying accuracy and maintaining a deep understanding of user needs. _________________________________ "It will not be AI that takes away the job of a technical writer, but rather another technical writer with deep AI skills," said Robbins. I am 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 Anosike article: https://tinyurl.com/4x8sv6v9 >> Get smart on AI with training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "The Year AI Went Nuclear: Six Largest M&A Deals of 2025": https://tinyurl.com/2vys3mrm >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding AI Hallucinations in Technical Writing": https://tinyurl.com/bdeyd64t >> Read the Robbins article "Yale Study: Impact of AI on the Job Market": https://tinyurl.com/f3cuvvxn >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/bdfv63ca >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding Anthropic: Rising Star in AI": https://tinyurl.com/46btw22z >> Read the Robbins article "Comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, & Grok": https://tinyurl.com/3zwttxhk >> Read the Robbins article "AI Job Replacement Fears Are Good. Here's Why.": https://tinyurl.com/p5t27t7d >> Join the LinkedIn group AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the Technical Writing Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/uu9hpyzt >> Subscribe to the YouTube channel AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/29t4x5xu

    13 min

  7. 10 MAR

    Curt Robbins Article Review: White Papers - What Every Tech Writer Should Know

    Welcome to episode 186 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition.  In this episode, hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review an insightful article from this show's producer, senior information architect and technical writer Curt Robbins entitled "White Papers: What Every Tech Writer Should Know" that was published on LinkedIn. Robbins provides a comprehensive guide for technical writers on the creation and purpose of white papers. These long-form documents are designed to educate and persuade specific audiences about complex technologies, industry trends, or innovative products. Robbins outlines essential structural components, such as executive summaries and data-driven bodies, while emphasizing the need for vast research and collaboration with subject matter experts. To ensure quality, he suggests adhering to best practices such as maintaining objectivity, focusing on the target reader, and using clear, concise language. Ultimately, Robbins states that white papers serve as prestigious communication tools that help organizations build authority and capture specialized internal knowledge for the public. _________________________________ "It will not be AI that takes away the job of a technical writer, but rather another technical writer with deep AI skills," said Robbins. I am 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/pcsnymxr >> Get smart on AI with training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "The Year AI Went Nuclear: Six Largest M&A Deals of 2025": https://tinyurl.com/2vys3mrm >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding AI Hallucinations in Technical Writing": https://tinyurl.com/bdeyd64t >> Read the Robbins article "Yale Study: Impact of AI on the Job Market": https://tinyurl.com/f3cuvvxn >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/bdfv63ca >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding Anthropic: Rising Star in AI": https://tinyurl.com/46btw22z >> Read the Robbins article "Comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, & Grok": https://tinyurl.com/3zwttxhk >> Read the Robbins article "AI Job Replacement Fears Are Good. Here's Why.": https://tinyurl.com/p5t27t7d >> Join the LinkedIn group AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the Technical Writing Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/uu9hpyzt >> Subscribe to the YouTube channel AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/29t4x5xu

    12 min

  8. 2 MAR

    Tim Moon Article Review: Vibe-Writing - The Case for Rigorous Human-Machine Collaboration

    Welcome to episode 185 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition.  In this episode, hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review an insightful article from writer Tim Moon in Austin entitled "Vibe-Writing: The Case for Rigorous Human–Machine Collaboration" that was published on Substack on January 9. In this article, Moon advocates for vibe-writing, a method of human-machine collaboration that mirrors traditional mentorship. He argues that writing has always been an art of modeling, comparing the capabilities of AI to the way he learned to think by observing a knowledgeable relative. By viewing AI as a modern apprentice tool rather than a shortcut for the lazy, Moon suggests that technology can bridge the gap for underprivileged students who lack access to human mentors. He challenges the "lone writer" myth, asserting that the machine should handle mechanical execution while the human focuses on intent, structure, and judgment. Ultimately, Moon proposes that embracing these tools allows writers to prioritize meaning over syntax, fostering a more accessible and effective path to literacy. _________________________________ "It will not be AI that takes away the job of a technical writer, but rather another technical writer with deep AI skills," said Robbins. I am 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 Moon article: https://tinyurl.com/y5jby96d >> Get smart on AI with training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "The Year AI Went Nuclear: Six Largest M&A Deals of 2025": https://tinyurl.com/2vys3mrm >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding AI Hallucinations in Technical Writing": https://tinyurl.com/bdeyd64t >> Read the Robbins article "Yale Study: Impact of AI on the Job Market": https://tinyurl.com/f3cuvvxn >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/bdfv63ca >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding Anthropic: Rising Star in AI": https://tinyurl.com/46btw22z >> Read the Robbins article "Comparing ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, & Grok": https://tinyurl.com/3zwttxhk >> Read the Robbins article "AI Job Replacement Fears Are Good. Here's Why.": https://tinyurl.com/p5t27t7d >> Join the LinkedIn group AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the Technical Writing Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/uu9hpyzt >> Subscribe to the YouTube channel AI for Career Success: https://tinyurl.com/29t4x5xu

    13 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Curt Robbins
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    196
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Curt Robbins
  • Show Website
    Technical Writing Success