Getting Real with Technical Writing

Ever since India woke up to an upsurge in Information Technology about a decade and a half ago, and subsequently became a hub of software exports to the whole world, millions of computer and engineering graduates have carved out great careers for themselves, bundling out software solutions day in and day out. However, in the early days, a software development company was happy to engage the services of engineers who could not just write several lines of code and test it but also create supporting documentation, interact with the client, and in extreme cases, even sell the software they created. Times have changed. These days, an integrated software solution, is the result of not just a lone stressed out engineer but the handiwork of programmers, testers, sales force, technical support staff, and host of other functions. But my interest in this write up is primarily a function that has grown with the industry, created great careers, managed a fair share of fortune in the IT goldmine (some highest paid professionals in the industry are technical writers, and yet remains elusive; Technical Writing!

Being married to it for some years now, I have delightfully observed it prosper. Though writing, with its different branches, has been well-known and respected since ages, the emergence of technical writers or technical communicators as some call it, is relatively new. I have always pondered about how technical writing or simply writing may have evolved through ages. The other day at the breakfast table with some of my esteemed colleagues (all technical writers), I accidentally triggered a similar discussion. In my usual boring and sometimes apparently contentious style, I leaped on every opportunity to suggest that we are writers first and technical afterwards. Hence, limiting our understanding only to the technology driven products, we were rendering extreme injustice to our own talents and skills. As writers, shouldn’t we aim at understanding everything under the sun that can be written about and then read? Aren’t we increasing our value and respect in this manner? As is customary to such discussions, I was confronted with several arguments debating the nuances of the trade.

Sadly, as it turns out, our vision appears shortsighted. The word technical has been taken so seriously or perhaps hyped that whenever we talk about a technical writer, it is assumed to be someone writing a user guide, install guide, white paper or something related, almost always for a software application (of course with very few notable exceptions). Note that elsewhere in US and Europe; writers cater to industries so diverse as health and medical care, manufacturing, education or academia, financial services, and insurance, among many others. That trend is yet to catch up here. If you can bring the same amount of versatility to your writing as is prevalent among these industries, you have carved a niche for yourself as a successful writer who is never short of opportunities and understandably money.

Ironically, it will be some years before technical writing comes to be recognized as a full-time and well-defined profession. Although almost every IT company (including big shots like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, and Microsoft) employs full time technical writers and comes out with open advertisements inviting them, it still isn’t a primary profession of choice. The roots of this dilemma are numerous; unlike the west where Universities have full time courses in technical writing (U.S by the way is the largest employer of technical writers employing over a lakh of them), Indian institutions of higher education have shied away from recognizing it as a highly sought after skill. The result is career wise confused technical writers who accidentally get into this profession by virtue of a degree in English (most of the cases) or an Engineering or Computers degree.

Another disconcerting aspect is the mindset. The managements (with a few exceptions) do not consider the job of writing documentation worthy of their respect. The standard argument being “Who needs a document?” Or “Anyone can do it! What’s the big deal?” However, fact is otherwise. I have had the opportunity to work directly with customers during one of my earlier assignments. The company I was working for did not supply a user manual for a new product that was launched in the market (why this happened is another story) and I remember several irate customers getting to the phone immediately on receiving their product and screaming “why didn’t your damn company bother to throw a decent $20 user manual for a $1000 product”. In the upcoming version, the company had to create a friendly user documentation to salvage the lost reputation. Also, users are genuinely concerned about the errors (such as grammatical and spelling mistakes) in documentation. A carelessly written manual immediately tells the reader that the product he has spent his hard-earned money on was improvised by a bunch of dawdlers in their spare time. This is often true; for the first impression— which is made by the documentation—is the best. Numerous other examples substantiate the need for efficient user manuals. The efficiency and acceptance of technical products lies in the amount of attention to details that has gone into their manufacture. Bad documentation is the shortest and the surest route to disrepute.

According to the figures furnished by the Society for Technical Communication (STC) there are roughly 1500+ technical writers in India. Almost every organization is waking up to the fact that documentation is an integral part of their products since it helps users understand and use an otherwise complex product.

All said and done, writing of this nature is here to stay and it is time efforts were made to project it as a truly viable, long term and profitable profession. I can bet my money on the fact that almost everyone, who accidentally got into technical writing some few years back have come to regard it as the most enjoyable, stable and rewarding experience.

The trick is to be well informed, well read and being flexible in learning new concepts, tools, and technologies.

The AXE Effect

You will be forgiven for thinking that this write-up is about tips and tricks on catching the attention of some blue-eyed beauty. Although, it is indeed about catching attention, the subject is far more serious and relevant. During the past few weeks, the complete stretch of trees along the road leading to my workplace has been systematically wiped out, supposedly to widen the roads.

It reminds me of a news story in the local newspapers some years ago, where the regulars at Sukhna (a spectacular man made lake in Chandigarh, my home town) vehemently opposed the cutting of branches of the oldest tree along the walking track. One of the many valid arguments put forth, being that generations had grown with it and that cutting it portrayed a complete indifference of the administration towards the sentiments of the community. Chandigarh Administration was quick to apologize. How sad then, that despite the massive scale of destruction over here (virtually the entire green belt along the road has been eliminated), no one even bothered to blink an eye. In the age of 24-hour news channels, where even the most irrelevant and ridiculous stories make their way into the news bulletins, this bare act just wasn’t sensational enough for a full blown coverage?

Not long ago, we were reminded that we have only a few years to save the earth from the disasters of global warming. Today, when climatic conditions are undergoing a rapid change globally and more and more nations are talking about conserving forests, here we are, witness to several trees cut mercilessly without any remorse or second thought.

While you may argue that cutting a few trees here and there will make no difference, this utter lack of sensitivity in bringing down several trees is surely shameful. Imagine the precedent that it sets. Wherever there is a possible traffic hazard or a commercial building coming up, eliminate the trees. As it is, the growth of residential areas in and around the tricity has consumed thousands of acres of forests.

It is agreed that with increasing population, more and more houses need to be built, roads constructed or broadened to tackle the increased volume of traffic. Yet, I wonder if we have already exhausted all other options so as to sacrifice trees and forests (some as old as two decades)? Can’t the governments or NGOs work on an awareness program that puts actual facts before the public, apprises them of the environmental challenges, and pushes the fact that they need to quickly figure out their role in tackling the crisis. Or is it that it suits the purses of our governments very well to indiscriminately allow the mushrooming of concrete structures?

Consider this; at the rate the population is growing, even these supposedly broader roads will one day become traffic nightmares. Then what? Will the administrations reach out to breach parts of our legitimate houses or land to broaden the roads even more? Trees cannot protest and hence are easy targets but I am sure that when our lands are invaded, we would create a ruckus. Has it even occurred to the residents (who I believe should have been at the forefront, leading the protests) in the affected areas that these trees have sheltered their properties for years and provided their present and past generations shade and fresh air? For their sake, had they united themselves, the government may well have felt the need to reconsider. Sadly, we saw none of that. It has somehow become our tendency not to bother about things that do not directly affect us. As long as we are breathing air or drinking water (no matter how polluted it may be), we have other important businesses of life to attend to.

So where are the solutions? Can the governments take it upon themselves to rectify the situation? The answer is yes and no. As I pointed out earlier, something as important as environmental conservation cannot be left entirely to the policymakers. An active public participation is mandatory. Change yourself and show the way. Drive less and smart, use public transport, walk or cycle to shorter distances, consider the carpool options to work or school, and work with your friends, colleagues, or neighbors to create awareness or share information. This remains our only hope.

As for now, the damage has been done. The least that we can do now is to make up for the overwhelming loss by planting as many trees and vegetation as we can. Perhaps Mother Nature will forgive us. If not, God help us for I am reminded of a Greenpeace slogan that said "When the last tree is cut and the last fish dead, we will discover that we cannot eat money". Think about it.

Rang De Sans Color

I always take the idea of watching a bollywood movie with a pinch of salt. Only after the movie has received consistently good press, I gather up courage to put my good three hours and hard earned money at stake. No offence or disrespect meant to the film fraternity, my bad experiences far outweigh the good ones. Bollywood rarely produces good films (and I am making a distinction here between a good film and a so called hit film). However, there are exceptions to this. Some films by virtue of their highly acclaimed directors and actors and sometimes great plots are sure winners.

Aamir’s films usually generate such publicity for the great deal of caution and thinking he puts into his projects. Rang De Basanti is one such film. Great star cast, dance to the beats music, and a theme based on youth; everything points to a visual treat. But the film is anything but entertaining. A loose depiction of events coupled with an outrageous message and loose talk (maa ki aankh types) leave you in bad taste.

Looking at a group of beer guzzling unemployed men who live to eat, are always on the move, and make no effort to make a standing for them in life, one can hardly relate them to Bhagat Singh and other great revolutionaries (that the film wants us to believe). In fact, I think it is senseless to even link the cause of our great martyrs to the issue (and the manner in which it is resolved) raised in the film. We were being ruled by foreign forces then and desperately wanted them out of our country. Today, we live in a free India which gives us the undeniable right to voice our opinion, approach the courts, and make a case in public through the much vibrant media. The film undermines all this and instead preaches a theory of kill to avenge.
Aaamir’s terrible use of Hindi and Punjabi in the same dialogues looks superficial and has shades of overacting. This can easily be categorized as one of his most disappointing performances. Others, including Soha Ali Khan fail to get even noticed by virtue of their non-existent characters.

The entire three hour depiction of their pranks and finally act of revenge neither instigates a feeling of inspiration nor sympathy. All it does is make you ponder if the solution presented to potential problems is a viable one. Though, the film scores on great foot tapping music and special effects, this is hardly a consolation for an eagerly awaited movie such as this. The film raises several pertinent issues like corruption in defence deals, petty party politics, and lack of right platform for the young motivated to do something for the country. However, it goofs up on providing valid solutions. Kill if you have been wronged is definitely not one.

For its budget, hype, theme and big stars, the film could easily have inspired and entertained many. Sadly, its only credit has been polluting further the minds of our already directionless youth.

The Mystical Rajasthan

King-size forts and palaces, vast deserts, lakes and gardens, wildlife, pilgrimage, and a vibrant and colorful culture; Nothing else describes Rajasthan better. Of course, it is much more than that. Every year, between October to March, Rajasthan plays host to tourists from all over the world. I too had my opportunity when shortly after my marriage, my wife and I decided to discover the desert land. Both of us share a fascination for hills and therefore all our previous sojourns took us there (more on those travel experiences some other time). This time, it had to be different.

The 10 hour long journey between Chandigarh (a neatly planned city in Northern India and place I grew up in) and Jaipur (the capital city of Rajasthan) is tiring, to say the least. And since we travelled through the night, lack of sleep made it even more painful. I am the kind who cannot sleep in buses or trains no matter how comfortable or luxurious they may be.

Day 1
Upon reaching our hotel in Jaipur, we retired to our comfortable rooms. Hotel Maurya Palace is right in the heart of the city and next to the famous Raj Mandir theatre. With its Rajasthani decor, neat and clean rooms, nice food (although I do not understand why most of the hotels in Rajasthan hesitate in including the local cuisine in their menus), hospitable, and polite staff, the hotel exceeds in terms of expectations.

After lunch, with our transportation arranged, we set out to explore the city. Pink City as it is popularly called (In 1876, Jaipur colored itself pink to welcome Prince Albert and Queen Elizabeth II and thus the name) is bustling with activity for most part of the year. The place is a hub of typical Pajasthani dresses, bandhani sarees being the most sought after and then kurtas and pyjamas with fine embroidery, handicrafts, rajasthani shoes (those peculiar ones with a bend you will find only in Rajathan), and God only knows what else. Our first stop was the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Wind). Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, its spectacular design enabled the ladies of the royal household to view the city, its bazaars and processions without being watched by the city folk. A five story structure built entirely of red and pink stone, it is known as Hawa Mahal because cool air constantly circulates through the 953 small casements or windows even in the hottest months when temperature exceeds 45 degrees. You can feel the air breezing through these windows if you try to cover them with your hands.

Next, we drove to the Jantar Mantar. Built between 1728 to 1734 by Maharaj Jai Singh, it is an observatory lined up with various instruments to view the position and movement of the heavenly bodies. Different instruments perform host of different functions like predicting the length and heaviness of the monsoon for the local area, longitude and latitude of the celestial bodies etc. Although, I had immense trouble in understanding the scientific logics behind the instruments (being the geek that I am), the sheer scale of ideas, readings and calculations undertaken left me humbled. We were told that since we started late, there was only one other place that we could visit before winding up for the day and this was Jal Mahal. Jal Mahal is a picturesque fort right in the middle of the Man Sagar lake. Built in 1799 A.D by Sawai Pratap Singh, it was majorly used for the king’s parties. During winters, thousands of migratory birds flock the lake. Although the view is quite scenic with the Amber Fort on the hills in the background, the maintenance of the lake and the palace leave much to be desired. You cannot venture near the lake as the water stinks and the palace itself presents a sorry picture with the plasters coming off its walls.

Finished with our excursion, we returned to our hotel. With ample time at our disposal and sleep elusive (we had a fair share of it during the first half the day, we decided to watch Rang De Basanti (a hindi movie) at Raj Mandir. Just in case you are wondering what’s so special about it, consider wall to wall carpeting, cushioned seats, colorful lighting, Rajasthani paintings and carvings on the walls and a thin sheet of curtain that goes up and comes down before and after the show in a movie theatre. All this combined makes a simple movie show, an out of the world experience. Although I thought the movie was crap, the magical experience inside the hall compensated more than enough for the lost time and money.

Day 2
We headed straight to the City Palace. An amazing blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, City palace is a huge walled structure encompassing within it series of courtyards, beautiful gardens and mahals (palaces). These palaces give enough evidence of the rich and luxurious life its inhabitants led once. Paintings, floral decorations, mirror walls and ceilings in the traditional style adorn the palace. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and 15th century weapons. The paintings include miniatures of Rajasthani, Persian and Mughal schools. A section of museum also contains dresses and costumes of the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur. Out of the City Palace completely awestruck, I had more of it coming. Situated on the hills just 11 kms. from Jaipur is the Amber fort. Primarily a military establishment at one time, the fort was built by Raja Man Singh, army commander of Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1600 AD, continued by Raja Jai Singh and then completed to its present form by Sawai Jai Singh in the eighteenth century. Although, it resembles the City Palace in many respects with its series of buildings, pavilions, and courtyards, its noteworthy architectural marvels are the 'Diwan-E-Khas', the 'Sheesh Mahal' and the 'Jai Mandir' with exquisite mirror work, the 'Diwan-E-Aam', the 'Sukh Niwas', the Shila Mata Temple, Kali temple and the well laid out garden known as the 'Kesar Kyari'.

Day 3
We dedicated day 3 to pilgrimage. Some 130 Kms to the west of Jaipur is the City of Ajmer. With an eventful history and affinity to the neighbouring village of Pushkar, Ajmer is a travellers delight. Home to the Dargah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Ajmer is thronged by muslim pilgrims from all over the world. On way to the Durgah through several narrow lanes, you will be constantly haunted by more than friendly and persistent guides. As is true for every religious center, Ajmer Sharif is also crowded with people almost all through the year. Amidst the sufi music and qawallis, we offered Chadar, Ghilaph, and Neema which are traditional offerings for the sacred tomb (where the mortal remains of the saint are buried).
From Ajmer, we made the half hour journey up Nag Pahar to the town of Pushkar. Famous for its annual Pushkar fair during which camels from all over India are traded, raced and a beauty contest held showcasing the most gorgeous ones, Pushkar also boasts of the only Brahma Temple in India. A small town set amidst a natural and sacred lake, a dip into which promises to free you of all sins, is highly recommended. At the very least, its cool waters will invigorate a new energy in you after you have been through the hustle and bustle of the two religious townships. The temple houses a four-headed idol of Brahma and is decorated with silver coins and a silver turtle on its black and white floor. Legend has it that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses had performed a Yagna (Religious ritual) here. After paying obeisance at the temple and performing a small puja, we headed back to the capital city with fond memories of these twin towns where both Hindus and Muslims cut across religious divides to revere their holy land.

The Rajasthani magic was only beginning to unfold on me.

To be continued…