Technical Writing Success

Curt Robbins
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Technical Writing Success is a podcast that's published daily (Monday-Friday) by veteran technical writer Curt Robbins. It helps IT professionals such as documentation specialists, information architects, and technical writers better understand their profession and the marketplace in which they operate. Each week, charismatic hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones unpack a different topic in under 10 minutes to help busy professionals stay current. Topics include documentation and communications strategies, the increasing role of AI, robotics, social media management, and career advancement.

  1. há 23 h

    Beyond Text: Why Multimodal Documentation Is the New Standard

    Welcome to episode 221 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "Beyond Text: Why Multimodal Documentation Is the New Standard." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones explore the transition from traditional text-only instructions to multimodal documentation, which incorporates diagrams, annotated screenshots, and short videos. This shift is driven by a need to improve user retention and accommodate modern scanning habits, as products become increasingly complex. This episode emphasizes that technical writers must evolve into multimodal communicators who possess the editorial judgment to choose the most effective medium for information. While AI tools have lowered the barrier to creating visual content, Daphne and Fred warn against gratuitous visuals that lack purpose or clarity. Furthermore, they highlight the critical importance of accessibility, noting that all visual elements require alt text and captions to remain inclusive. Ultimately, the material serves as a guide for writers at all career stages to build visual communication skills while maintaining high standards for documentation. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #TechnicalWriting #documentation #Multimodal

    14 min

  2. há 1 dia

    Why UI Copy Is Becoming Core Technical Writing Work

    Welcome to episode 220 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "Why UI Copy Is Becoming Core Technical Writing Work." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones explore the growing importance of UI copy and microcopy within the field of technical writing, framing these elements as the most impactful documentation a professional can produce. They argue that technical writers are uniquely qualified to craft the buttons, error messages, and tooltips that guide users, as these tasks require their signature skills of clarity and precision. By moving documentation directly into the user interface, writers can reach a wider audience and transition into more strategic product roles. However, the material also cautions that this shift represents a scope expansion that requires deliberate collaboration with designers and proper professional recognition. Ultimately, the source serves as a guide for writers to evolve their skill sets to meet the demands of modern, contextual user assistance. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #TechnicalWriting #documentation #UI

    18 min

  3. há 2 dias

    Tech Writers Don't Write Anymore. They Read. Here's Why That's Your Superpower

    Welcome to episode 219 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "Tech Writers Don't Write Anymore. They Read. Here's Why That's Your Superpower." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones argue that deep reading will become the most essential skill for technical writers by 2026, surpassing the traditional focus on high-volume writing. As AI becomes capable of generating infinite amounts of fluent text, the author suggests that a writer's true value lies in their ability to absorb complex context from messy sources like code, Slack debates, and technical tickets. This "iceberg theory" posits that a small amount of clear documentation must be supported by a massive foundation of research that AI cannot replicate. Ultimately, the source encourages professionals to prioritize understanding over output, as the ability to filter noise and identify what truly matters is the only way to produce trustworthy content. Future success in the field depends on a human's unique capacity to interpret nuance and history that machines often overlook. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #TechnicalWriting #documentation #AICoaching

    19 min

  4. há 3 dias

    The EU AI Act Just Made Technical Writers Compliance Gatekeepers

    Welcome to episode 218 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "The EU AI Act Just Made Technical Writers Compliance Gatekeepers." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones discuss how the European Union AI Act fundamentally transforms the role of technical writers into essential compliance gatekeepers. Because this regulation applies to any AI product entering the European market, technical writers globally must now produce technical documentation that serves as primary legal evidence of safety and accountability. This shift requires professionals to move beyond explaining features to documenting system limitations, human oversight, and risk management strategies. By August 2026, clear and verifiable writing will become a legal necessity for high-risk systems, shielding companies from regulatory action and audits. Consequently, this episode emphasizes that mastering these compliance standards offers a significant career advancement opportunity for writers to move from support roles into strategic, high-value positions. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #TechnicalWriting #documentation #EUAIAct

    19 min

  5. há 6 dias

    Should Technical Writers Optimize Docs for AI Search? The GEO Debate

    Welcome to episode 217 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "Should Technical Writers Optimize Docs for AI Search? The GEO Debate." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones discuss the debate surrounding Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and whether technical writers should specifically tailor their documentation for AI-driven search. One perspective argues that writers must adopt new tactics to ensure their content is cited by AI assistants, citing research that shows specific structural changes can significantly boost visibility. Conversely, Google maintains that these methods are largely redundant, asserting that traditional SEO fundamentals already cover what is necessary for AI discovery. They ultimately suggest that, while writers should ignore hacks such as specialized machine-readable files, they should double down on high-quality structural habits. By prioritizing answer-first writing and clear hierarchies, authors can satisfy both human readers and the algorithms used by generative engines. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #TechnicalWriting #documentation #GEO

    19 min

  6. 2 de jul.

    Agentic AI for Technical Writers: What Changes When Docs Write Themselves

    Welcome to episode 216 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "Agentic AI for Technical Writers: What Changes When Docs Write Themselves." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones discuss the transition from simple generative AI to agentic artificial intelligence within the field of technical documentation. Unlike basic assistants that require constant prompting, agentic systems can independently pursue complex goals, such as monitoring code changes and coordinating review workflows. While this episode acknowledges that much of this technology remains aspirational and dependent on specific infrastructure, it highlights emerging uses such as automated gap analysis and content drafting. The shift promises to reduce administrative drudgery, allowing technical writers to move into more strategic supervisory roles. Ultimately, as autonomous tools handle more legwork, human judgment and accountability become increasingly vital to ensure accuracy and safety. Underlining a forward-looking perspective, this episode encourages writers to master these tools to remain essential guardians of content quality. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #TechnicalWriting #documentation #TechnicalWritingSuccessPodcast

    19 min

  7. 1 de jul.

    The Technical Writer’s AI Workflow: Draft, Edit, Verify, Ship

    Welcome to episode 215 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "The Technical Writer’s AI Workflow: Draft, Edit, Verify, Ship." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones teach listeners a structured, four-step workflow designed to transform how technical writers integrate artificial intelligence into their professional practice. The proposed system moves from drafting and editing to verifying and shipping, shifting the writer's primary role from a manual typist to an accountable orchestrator. While AI is utilized to generate initial content and refine language, the framework emphasizes that human judgment is mandatory for ensuring technical accuracy and final approval. By following this repeatable process, creators can maintain high standards and take full responsibility for the safety and truth of their documentation. The guide highlights that high-quality source inputs are essential for success, as the machine’s output is only as reliable as the data it receives. Ultimately, the methodology ensures that while technology handles the labor-intensive writing, the professional remains the essential guardian of factual integrity. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #TechnicalWriting #documentation #TechnicalWritingSuccessPodcast

    18 min

  8. 30 de jun.

    How to Reduce Support Tickets With Better Documentation (with Real Numbers)

    Welcome to episode 214 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "How to Reduce Support Tickets With Better Documentation (with Real Numbers)." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones explore how high-quality technical documentation serves as a vital financial asset by reducing support ticket volume and operational costs. They emphasize that every support interaction carries a specific dollar value, typically ranging from $15 to $25, which allows writers to calculate a clear return on investment. By focusing on content findability, contextual help, and data-driven updates, companies can achieve ticket deflection rates between 25 and 60 percent. This episode encourages technical writers to transition from being seen as a cost center to being recognized as revenue-saving strategists who use ticket data to improve both documentation and the core product. Ultimately, listeners learn a practical and viable framework for measuring impact and proving that effective self-service is the only support channel that scales without increasing overhead. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #TechnicalWriting #SupportTickets #HelpDesk

    19 min
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Sobre

Technical Writing Success is a podcast that's published daily (Monday-Friday) by veteran technical writer Curt Robbins. It helps IT professionals such as documentation specialists, information architects, and technical writers better understand their profession and the marketplace in which they operate. Each week, charismatic hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones unpack a different topic in under 10 minutes to help busy professionals stay current. Topics include documentation and communications strategies, the increasing role of AI, robotics, social media management, and career advancement.

Informações

  • Criado por
    Curt Robbins
  • Anos de atividade
    2024 - 2026
  • Episódios
    225
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © Curt Robbins
  • Site do podcast
    Technical Writing Success

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