Yvonne Cleary
Volume 6
Chapter Description
This chapter introduces readers to the rhetorical situation of topic-based writing in the context of digital technical communication, which has replaced manuals for many types of products and services. In contemporary work contexts, technical communicators are likely to work in teams, and to write topics, or short chunks of content, that may be combined to generate information products. Topics have several characteristics that distinguish them from other forms of content; in particular, they exist as independent rhetorical units. The best-known topic-based writing system is DITA, but technical communicators use many approaches to develop topic-based content. Likewise, many skills are required, that fall into three broad categories: writing, collaboration, and using tools. Because technical communication is a dynamic discipline, topic-based approaches to writing will continue to evolve into the future. It is important for you to be aware of the state of the art and to keep up with trends and practices.
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