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Journals by EmailBlogger’s note: A few months after starting my blog, I thought about doing a series of slightly animated videos about me interviewing Gryp, a cartoon gryphon. I based the gryphon image on my site on that idea. Here’s that first interview with Gryp (only slightly edited for this posting). Who knows, maybe there will be more of this in the future.
Ben: Today’s discussion is with Gryp. He’s a gryphon. You don’t see them every day. So, Gryp, just what does a gryphon have to do with technical communication? Is there a connection, or are we just chasing shadows and pixies?
Gryp: I like chasing shadows and pixies. So we can take this in a whole different direction if you want.
Ben: Just answer the question.
Gryp: All right. Take a look at me, and after you’re done admiring my majestically good looks, you’ll notice that I’m half eagle, half lion. You geneticists out there, don’t overanalyze what you see—I am a mythological creature.
Wait… I just realized that raises all kinds of questions about the fact that I’m here right now. But if you want to chase that pixie, find a philosophy blog or a copy of Hamlet’s “to be or not to be” soliloquy.
Anyway, I think you technical communicators usually combine different roles in your work. You’re not just one thing or the other. You’re a writer one hour, an editor the next, then a trainer. The next day, you’re giving input on interaction design and talking about usability. You may be a manager on top of all that.
Ben: So what you’re saying is that a gryphon resembles a technical writer because there is a blending of identities. Do you think that being parts of different things makes you less of each of those things? You’re not entirely a lion, and you’re not entirely an eagle.
Gryp: It doesn’t have to mean that. I’m versatile.
Ben: How so?
Gryp: I can catch prey by chasing it down or dive-bombing it from the air. For you technical communicators, substitute “developer” or “subject matter expert” for prey, and you can see my point.
Ben: Most developers or subject-matter experts would rather not be dive-bombed.
Gryp: Have you ever tried it?
Ben: Can’t say that I have.
Gryp: Shows what you know. Look, you can be very good at the various roles you perform. Some could be minor roles, but others you perform every day. The more versatile you are, the more value you have.
Ben: I have to admit, this blog wouldn’t be the same without you. [To the audience] Thanks for tuning in and listening to a gryphon’s thoughts on technical communication. I’m sure you will never be the same. Until next time!
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