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. 3d ago

    Does llms.txt Actually Work? An Honest Look for Technical Writers

    Welcome to episode 232 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "Does llms.txt Actually Work? An Honest Look for Technical Writers." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones outline a strategic analysis of the proposed llms.txt standard, specifically tailored for technical writers and documentation professionals. They evaluate the conflicting arguments regarding whether this markdown file—intended to help artificial intelligence parse website content—is a revolutionary tool or a useless endeavor. While major AI laboratories have adopted the file, they note that Google remains skeptical and evidence of its current effectiveness is limited. Ultimately, this episode advocates for a calibrated approach, suggesting that writers implement the file as a low-cost hedge without overestimating its strategic value. The discussion emphasizes prioritizing fundamental content structure over speculative technical tactics. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> 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 >> Learn more about Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/3phmkkth #TechnicalWriting #documentation #LLMSTXT

  2. 5d ago

    What Technical Writers Should Automate First (A Practical Playbook)

    Welcome to episode 231 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "What Technical Writers Should Automate First (A Practical Playbook)." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones outline a strategic analysis of the proposed llms.txt standard, specifically tailored for technical writers and documentation professionals. They provide a strategic roadmap for technical writers looking to implement automation without sacrificing the quality of their work. It introduces a foundational principle that prioritizes automating high-toil, low-judgment tasks—such as link checking and style linting—while preserving human oversight for complex reasoning. By addressing the "productivity paradox" revealed in a recent survey, they argue that automation should be used to offset the increased review burden caused by AI-generated drafts. This episode recommends a tiered approach, starting with mechanical errors and moving toward more complex needs like automated screenshots and API documentation. Ultimately, the goal is to redistribute a writer’s time away from repetitive drudgery and toward the high-value thinking that ensures technical accuracy. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> 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 >> Learn more about Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/3phmkkth #TechnicalWriting #documentation #AIAutomation

  3. 6d ago

    GEO: How to Write Documentation That AI Actually Cites

    Welcome to episode 230 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "GEO: How to Write Documentation That AI Actually Cites." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones outline strategies for technical writers to ensure that their documentation is cited and quoted by AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini. While previous methods focused on making files machine-readable, this approach emphasizes Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) through specific structural changes. Effective tactics include front-loading direct answers, using self-contained phrasing, and writing headings that mirror actual user queries. This episode highlights the importance of a verification loop, where writers manually or automatically audit AI responses to identify and correct misinformation or missing citations. Ultimately, the goal is to balance machine-friendly tactics with high-quality content that remains useful for human readers. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> 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 >> Learn more about Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/3phmkkth #TechnicalWriting #documentation #GEO

  4. Jul 21

    Why Technical Writers Now Spend More Time Editing Than Writing

    Welcome to episode 229 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "Why Technical Writers Now Spend More Time Editing Than Writing." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones outline a significant evolution in technical writing as professionals shift from primary content creation to a role defined by editorial oversight and verification. According to data from the 2026 State of Docs report, a majority of practitioners now find themselves reviewing AI-generated drafts rather than writing from scratch. This transition highlights that while artificial intelligence can produce text quickly, it lacks the critical judgment and accuracy required for technical documentation, placing a premium on a writer's ability to identify hallucinations and ensure factual correctness. Consequently, traditional skills such as information architecture and source verification are becoming more valuable than the mechanical act of drafting. This episode ultimately suggests that the profession is becoming more intellectually demanding as writers take on the mantle of quality control in an increasingly automated workflow. This shift reframes the writer's value not as a high-volume producer, but as an essential arbiter of truth and structure. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> 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 >> Learn more about Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/3phmkkth #TechnicalWriting #documentation #AI

  5. Jul 20

    The Technical Writer's Guide to Git (Without the Fear)

    Welcome to episode 228 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 Guide to Git (Without the Fear)." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones provide a compassionate introduction to Git and version control specifically tailored for technical writers transitioning into docs-as-code environments. They aim to reduce professional anxiety by reframing complex engineering concepts as a reliable "time machine" for managing document history and preventing data loss. They clarify essential terminology such as repositories, commits, and pull requests, emphasizing that these tools offer a safety net rather than a risk of destruction. To lower the barrier to entry, Daphne and Fred recommend using graphical interfaces such as GitHub Desktop or GitKraken instead of relying solely on the command line. Ultimately, they encourage writers to build practical confidence through small, frequent updates and local experimentation. This foundational knowledge prepares professionals for a shifting landscape where automation and review are becoming central to the documentation process. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> 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 >> Learn more about Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/3phmkkth #TechnicalWriting #documentation #Git

  6. Jul 17

    Should Technical Writers Learn to Code? The Honest Answer

    Welcome to episode 227 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 Learn to Code? The Honest Answer." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones explore the high-stakes debate over whether technical writers should learn to code, presenting a nuanced middle ground between two polarized perspectives. While some argue that programming fluency is now a mandatory requirement for modern careers, others suggest that writers should focus on becoming developer allies rather than junior engineers. This episode clarifies that both sides actually value technical literacy, but they disagree on the specific educational path writers should take. Instead of following generic software engineering curricula, the hosts advise writers to master the technical layers that directly impact their documentation, such as Git, APIs, and data structures. By focusing on solving specific documentation blockers, writers can achieve independence and professional relevance without the burnout of traditional coding bootcamps. Ultimately, the goal is to leverage technical skills to better serve the audience while maintaining the unique value of the writer's perspective. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> Preserve your job with AI coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> 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 >> Learn more about Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/3phmkkth #TechnicalWriting #documentation #InformationArchitecture

  7. Jul 16

    How to Interview an SME Without Wasting Their Time (or Yours)

    Welcome to episode 226 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "How to Interview an SME Without Wasting Their Time (or Yours)." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones provide a comprehensive framework for technical writers to conduct efficient and productive interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs). To respect the expert's limited time, writers should perform rigorous pre-interview research and eliminate any questions that can be answered through independent study. The hosts outline a strategic question spine based on journalism's five Ws and H, emphasizing the importance of identifying prerequisites and use cases. To prevent missing critical details, writers are encouraged to walk through procedures live and act as a proxy for the end-user by asking clarifying questions. Finally, the source highlights that building long-term professional relationships depends on closing the feedback loop and expanding one's network of information sources. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #AIJobs

  8. Jul 15

    How to Pass a Technical Writing Interview and Its Writing Test

    Welcome to episode 225 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins, where we help you get smarter than your competition. This episode is entitled "How to Pass a Technical Writing Interview and Its Writing Test." Hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones offer a comprehensive guide for navigating the modern technical writing interview and its associated skills assessments. They emphasize that employers are no longer just looking for prose quality, but rather the ability to understand specific audiences, collaborate with experts, and manage complex production lifecycles. The hosts detail common testing formats, such as simplifying technical jargon or creating procedures from raw notes, while advising candidates to narrate their decision-making process to demonstrate professional reasoning. A significant focus is placed on the evolution of AI in 2026, suggesting that candidates should be honest about using these tools while highlighting their human judgment in verifying accuracy. Finally, the material provides practical preparation drills, like the STAR method for storytelling and rewriting complex articles, to help applicants secure job offers. _________________________________ "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 _________________________________ >> 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 #AIJobs

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Curt Robbins
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    236
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Curt Robbins
  • Show Website
    Technical Writing Success