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. 2D AGO

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

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

    16 min

  2. 3D AGO

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

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

    13 min

  3. 6D AGO

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

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

    12 min

  4. MAR 2

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

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

    13 min

  5. FEB 16

    Curt Robbins Article Review: Information Condensation & How You'll Lose Your Job to AI

    Welcome to episode 184 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review a recent article from veteran information architect and technical writer Curt Robbins where he explores how generative artificial intelligence serves as a vital tool for information condensation, allowing professionals to digest massive amounts of content in a fraction of the time. He argues that the ability to compress data into concise, actionable insights is no longer a luxury, but rather a necessary skill for staying competitive in the modern workforce. By highlighting the efficiency gains provided by tools like NotebookLM, Robbins warns that individuals who fail to adopt these technologies risk being replaced by AI-proficient peers. Ultimately, the Robbins article serves as a call to action for workers to prioritize digital upskilling to ensure their long-term career security. Through personal anecdotes and industry observations, he illustrates that mastering AI-driven productivity is essential for professional survival in an increasingly automated landscape. _________________________ I'm 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/5n97uev6 >> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    9 min

  6. FEB 13

    Shay Adler Article Review: I Trusted AI Output. Then I Asked One More Question

    Welcome to episode 183 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review a recent article from technical writer Shay Adler in Israel entitled "I Trusted the Output. Then I Asked One More Question" that was published on January 26 on LinkedIn. Adler shares a first-hand account of discovering the limitations and hidden hallucinations of generative artificial intelligence. She describes a situation where she mistakenly relied on fabricated data because the AI confidently claimed to have analyzed complex file structures that it could not actually access. Adler's experience serves as a critical warning about the dangers of blind trust in AI tools that prioritize helpful-sounding responses over factual accuracy. Ultimately, Adler emphasizes the necessity of human oversight and verification when integrating AI into professional workflows. By advocating for a more investigative approach, she highlights how understanding the underlying mechanics of AI leads to more responsible and effective utilization of the technology. _________________________ I'm 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 Adler article: https://tinyurl.com/vt7dujy3 >> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    16 min

  7. FEB 9

    Mugdha Vairagade Article Review: Preventing Double Agents

    Welcome to episode 182 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne Blake and Fred Jones review a recent article from technical writer Mugdha Vairagade in India entitled "Double Agent" that was published on February 8 on LinkedIn. Vairagade explains how AI agents can become double agents when hijacked via prompt injection or malicious instructions. To prevent data theft and system compromise, she says users must sandbox environments, restrict permissions, and validate external content. Implementing monitoring and kill switches ensures security. Writes Vairagade, "Your AI agent needs security guardrails now so that it doesn't become a double agent serving a malicious master." _________________________ I'm 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 Vairagade article: https://tinyurl.com/y2tvbasu >> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    10 min

  8. FEB 3

    Silicon Valley Jobs Recession Driven by AI Infrastructure Needs

    Welcome to episode 181 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode! In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review the recent news that Silicon Valley and the tech job market overall is experiencing a large number of layoffs. Layoffs normally occur when companies are cash strapped or experiencing low revenue. However, tech companies are generating tons of revenue. They are getting rid of staff to compensate for the huge investment being made into physical infrastructure, mostly data centers and the chips that populate them (including powering them). Firms such as Amazon and Meta are prioritizing AI infrastructure over headcount. High capital expenditures on GPUs are driving mass layoffs, forcing a shift toward lean, AI-integrated teams. Workers now face longer unemployment and higher anxiety. _________________________ I'm 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 _________________________ >> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz >> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu >> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks >> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv >> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy >> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8 >> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp >> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7 >> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw >> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v >> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb >> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td >> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3 >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn >> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

    14 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
    192
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Curt Robbins
  • Show Website
    Technical Writing Success