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. 19h ago

    Senior Technical Writer Deborah Emini Interview Review

    Welcome to episode 198 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 a recent interview with London-based technical writer and software developer Deborah Emini that was published on LinkedIn (link below). The provided text explains that technical communicators perform the vital task of converting raw data and specialized information into usable content tailored for specific audiences. This process is distinct from simply gathering facts, as it focuses on reducing ambiguity and providing the necessary context for users to make wise decisions. While artificial intelligence can generate fluent prose and summarize large datasets, the author argues it lacks the human judgment required to determine what details are truly essential or safe. Therefore, the professional value of a writer lies in governing knowledge and structuring information so that it remains reliable and actionable. Ultimately, the source emphasizes that the goal of documentation is to ensure the right audience can perform their tasks with confidence. _________________________________ "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. — Curt Robbins _________________________________ >> Read the original Emini interview: https://tinyurl.com/mthasxtm >> 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

    8 min

  2. 1d ago

    What Technical Communicators Can Learn from the AI Life Cycle

    Welcome to episode 197 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 April 14 article by professor Guiseppe Getto in Bibb County, Georgia entitled "Using AI for Resumes: What Technical Communicators Can Learn from the AI Life Cycle." Getto examines the evolving influence of artificial intelligence on the labor market, specifically focusing on the critical role of technical communicators during this transition. By analyzing research that differentiates between theoretical AI capabilities and actual workplace adoption, Getto argues that job displacement is not immediate but rather a gradual shift in how tasks are performed. Technical communicators are presented as essential leaders who can bridge the gap between complex technology and human-centered work by managing governance, ethical implementation, and organizational transparency. The source emphasizes that these professionals should advocate for augmentation over total automation, ensuring that human accountability and clarity remain at the forefront of digital integration. Ultimately, the text highlights an opportunity for experts in the field to shape how AI is used rather than merely reacting to its presence. _________________________________ "It will not be AI that takes away the job of a technical writer, but rather another technical writer with deep AI skills," — Curt Robbins _________________________________ >> Read the original Getto article: https://tinyurl.com/5rzjvksh >> 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

    8 min

  3. 2d ago

    Will Kelly Article Review: The Content Ops Maturity Trap

    Welcome to episode 196 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 a May 12 article from technical content strategist Will Kelly in Springfield, Virginia entitled "The Content Ops Maturity Trap: Why "Good Enough" Documentation is a Growth Ceiling." Kelly examines the hidden dangers of stagnant content operations, arguing that "good enough" documentation creates an invisible ceiling for organizational growth. Rather than a lack of tools, Kelly suggests that the primary issue is a governance gap where no clear owner is responsible for maintaining information accuracy. This stagnation results in diffuse costs such as prolonged employee onboarding, slower sales cycles, and increased pressure on customer support teams. To overcome these challenges, companies must transition from reactive habits to a structured maturity model that treats documentation as vital infrastructure. Ultimately, Kelly advocates for connecting content health directly to business metrics to ensure long-term scalability and operational velocity. _________________________________ "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 original Kelly article: https://tinyurl.com/53p9vp3r >> 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

  4. Apr 19

    Stanford University Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2026

    Welcome to episode 195 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 the 2026 edition of the Stanford Institute Artificial Intelligence Index Report. The 2026 AI Index Report from Stanford University offers an extensive evaluation of the global artificial intelligence landscape, highlighting how the technology is advancing faster than the systems designed to regulate and measure it. While the United States maintains a dominant lead in data center infrastructure, China has significantly narrowed the performance gap in model development and leads in research publications. The left-leaning report, which is arguably alarmist in its tone, emphasizes the massive environmental and economic costs of this growth, noting that AI power consumption now rivals that of entire states while corporate transparency regarding model training is declining. In the classroom, student adoption of AI is nearly universal, yet educational institutions and governments are struggling to establish clear policies or earn public trust. Ultimately, these sources portray a world where AI’s integration into science, medicine, and the labor market is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, leaving a critical need for more reliable evaluation frameworks. _________________________________ "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 original report: https://tinyurl.com/2jz3kbpv >> 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

  5. Mar 28

    Curt Robbins Article Review: Winning the Bid - Anatomy of a High-converting RFP Proposal

    Welcome to episode 194 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 informative article from show producer Curt Robbins entitled "Winning the Bid: Anatomy of a High-converting RFP Proposal" that was published on LinkedIn on March 27. Robbins provides a comprehensive guide for businesses and technical writers aiming to master the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. He emphasizes that strict compliance with formatting instructions and a client-centric approach are more important for success than simply offering the lowest price. Robbins details essential document sections, such as the executive summary and implementation plan, while highlighting the significant financial impact RFPs have on industries such as healthcare and telecommunications. Readers are encouraged to employ professional information architecture and visual aids to make their submissions more scannable and persuasive. The Robbins article serves as a strategic framework for increasing win rates and securing long-term corporate revenue. _________________________________ "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/48pdwmf8 >> 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

    20 min

  6. Mar 25

    Guiseppe Getto Article Review: Why AI Won't Replace Tech Writers—But Will Shape Their Work

    Welcome to episode 193 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 informative article from professor Guiseppe Getto from Mercer University in Bibb County, Georgia entitled "Why AI won’t replace tech writers – but will reshape their work" that was published in tc world magazine in October 2025. Getto explores how artificial intelligence will transform the field of technical writing by assisting rather than replacing human experts. He identifies three primary workflows—drafting, revision, and quality assurance—where AI can significantly boost efficiency by handling repetitive tasks and generating initial content frameworks. However, Getto emphasizes that human oversight remains essential to ensure technical accuracy, maintain consistent style, and prevent automated errors. Writers are encouraged to adopt responsible AI principles, focusing on transparency and accountability to protect the integrity of their documentation. Getto concludes by suggesting that, while technology will reshape daily tasks, the core value of a technical communicator lies in their unique ability to solve complex user problems. _________________________________ "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 Getto article: https://tinyurl.com/yr4wrxnb >> 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

    10 min

  7. Mar 22

    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

  8. Mar 20

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

2.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    202
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Curt Robbins
  • Show Website
    Technical Writing Success

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