Technical Writing Success

Curt Robbins

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. Global Rise of Artificial Intelligence Employment Anxiety

    2d ago

    Global Rise of Artificial Intelligence Employment Anxiety

    Welcome to episode 202 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition.  Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones discuss the growing global anxiety regarding artificial intelligence and its potential to displace human workers. Recent data indicates that more than half of Americans fear the loss of household income due to automation, a sentiment that is also gaining traction within India’s technology sector. Experts suggest that this widespread uncertainty could trigger a resurgence in labor union organizing as employees seek protection against rapid corporate changes. While some industries are already restructuring roles in marketing and operations, there is an ongoing debate about whether AI will ultimately destroy or reinvent modern careers. Consequently, leaders are being urged to prioritize transparent communication and employee reskilling to manage this transition effectively. _________________________________ "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

    10 min
  2. Why AI Needs Technical Writers More Than Ever

    3d ago

    Why AI Needs Technical Writers More Than Ever

    Welcome to episode 201 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 article from Katie T. in Toronto entitled "Why AI Needs Technical Writers More Than Ever" that was published on LinkedIn on June 8. She asserts that technical writers are becoming increasingly essential as artificial intelligence continues to proliferate in the workplace. While AI can generate large volumes of text, it often lacks the audience awareness and contextual judgment necessary to produce truly helpful or safe user documentation. Skilled writers bridge this gap by implementing structured data, ensuring factual accuracy, and establishing governance standards that prevent the spread of misinformation. Rather than being replaced by automation, she says that these professionals are actively shaping AI adoption by refining prompts and building the frameworks that make machine-generated content reliable. Ultimately, she argues that human oversight is the key to transforming raw AI output into meaningful and trustworthy communication for businesses. _________________________________ "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 article: https://tinyurl.com/ywnektxv >> 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. Victoria Lazarus Newsletter Review: Documentation in Product Development

    4d ago

    Victoria Lazarus Newsletter Review: Documentation in Product Development

    Welcome to episode 200 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 newsletter issue from technical writer and documentation engineer Victoria Oluchi Lazarus in Nigeria entitled "Documentation Should Never Be an Afterthought in the Product Development Process" that was published on LinkedIn on June 2. Lazarus argues that documentation is an essential component of product development rather than a final task to be completed just before a launch. She highlights how including technical writers early in the process helps teams identify logical gaps, resolve inconsistencies, and ensure a better user experience. Waiting until a feature is finished often leads to lost context and inaccurate information, which ultimately hinders user adoption. Furthermore, Lazarus emphasizes that high-quality documentation provides the necessary foundation for effective AI implementation and internal knowledge management. Ultimately, Lazarus asserts that a product is only truly complete when it is clear enough for customers to understand and use 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 Lazarus newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/46j844th >> 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

    6 min
  4. Rob Hanna Article Review: The Humble Truth—We Create Content

    5d ago

    Rob Hanna Article Review: The Humble Truth—We Create Content

    Welcome to episode 199 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 article from Toronto-based Precision Content CEO Rob Hanna entitled "The Humble Truth: We Create Content" that was published on LinkedIn on May 21 (link below). Hanna 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 Hanna article: https://tinyurl.com/24anz9f2 >> 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
  5. Senior Technical Writer Deborah Emini Interview Review

    6d 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
  6. What Technical Communicators Can Learn from the AI Life Cycle

    Jun 7

    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
  7. Will Kelly Article Review: The Content Ops Maturity Trap

    Jun 6

    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
  8. Stanford University Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2026

    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

Ratings & Reviews

2.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

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