Douglas Erickson Article Review: Are Tech Writers Actually Documentation Product Managers?

Welcome to episode 180 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 a new article by show producer Curt Robbins entitled "Is the Use of AI Cheating?" that was published on LinkedIn on January 25. Robbins challenges the social stigma surrounding artificial intelligence by arguing that using these tools for content creation does not inherently constitute cheating. He asserts that subject matter expertise is essential when utilizing AI, as the technology should only be used to generate rough drafts that require significant human oversight and editing.Robbins maintains that the quality of the final product is a more important metric for success than the specific tools used during the development process. By comparing AI to traditional resources like search engines or spellcheck, Robbins frames it as a modern instrument for increasing professional efficiency. Robbins concludes by suggesting that, while unethical shortcuts are a matter of personal integrity, the judicious use of technology can lead to superior and more productive outcomes._________________________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/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

Welcome to episode 179 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 hot new topic of microshifting, the controversial workplace trend in which so many employees and managers are showing an interest.They explore the emerging workplace concept of microshifting, a trend where employees abandon the standard 9-to-5 schedule in favor of brief, non-linear work blocks.This practice allows individuals to align their professional tasks with their natural energy levels, personal obligations, and peak productivity periods. Research indicates that a significant majority of workers are interested in this method to reclaim control over their daily lives, particularly parents and caregivers who manage complex responsibilities.Supporters highlight that this approach respects human biology and neuroscience by preventing burnout and fostering deeper focus. While some critics view the term as corporate jargon, many experts believe it is a vital evolution in hybrid work that enhances long-term employee retention and well-being.This video describes a shift toward structured flexibility that prioritizes effective energy use over mere hours spent at a desk._________________________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 "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

Welcome to episode 178 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 a great and thought provoking article by Douglas Erickson entitled "A Shift: Technical Writer to Documentation Product Manager?" that was published on LinkedIn on January 22.Erickson explores the evolving landscape of technical writing, specifically focusing on the transition toward a documentation product manager model. He suggests that traditional writing roles are being threatened by generative AI, which corporations view as a tool for achieving content at scale. This shift divides the profession between specialists focused on linguistic precision and those who adopt product management strategies to oversee documentation ecosystems. To remain relevant, practitioners are encouraged to embrace Agile methodologies and technical automation rather than relying solely on manual drafting. Erickson argues that modern writers must act as strategic translators who manage complex information architectures in an increasingly automated industry. _________________________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 Erickson article: https://tinyurl.com/373xtzw2>> 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

Welcome to episode 177 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 unpack an informative article by French AI guru Elsa Sklavounou entitled "The Workflow Decides: Automation as Control" that was published on LinkedIn on January 20 (link below). Sklavounou explores how power and authority are embedded within the architectural workflows of automated systems rather than in their surface-level policies. She argues that many "human-in-the-loop" designs are merely performative theater because critical decisions are locked in long before a person can provide meaningful input. To ensure genuine accountability, systems must include intentional "keyholes" that allow users to interrupt, redirect, or override outcomes in real time. Sklavounou argues that true governance requires treating end users as active regulators who can apply situational judgment, rather than viewing them as passive data points or risks to be managed. Sklavounou concludes that overcoming invisible control necessitates a shift from external auditing toward a design-led approach that prioritizes reversibility and human agency within the technical flow. _________________________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 Sklavounou article: https://tinyurl.com/42hayt2j>> 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

Welcome to episode 176 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 unpack an insightful article by German senior technical editor Tanja Lorber entitled "Task-Based Documentation and Personas: Bridging Structure and Usability" that was published on January 9 on LinkedIn.Lorber explores the evolution of technical documentation at a software company, moving from basic interface descriptions to a user-focused, task-based approach. She describes how her team implemented targeted personas to better understand the diverse technical backgrounds and professional needs of their audience.By collaborating with experts to create these functional profiles, the technical writers were able to design more accessible entry points for newcomers without sacrificing depth. Lorber details how they utilized artificial intelligence to audit their content and ensure it remains aligned with these established user types.Ultimately, Lorber argues that structuring information around human goals is essential for creating truly effective and usable documentation._________________________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 Lorber article: https://tinyurl.com/4tkvfurm>> 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

Welcome to episode 175 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 unpack an article by technical writer Maria Sivenkova entitled "What to do if you can't compete with the 3.6-terabyte model: A technical writer’s survival guide in 2026" that was published on LinkedIn on January 8. Sivenkova argues that technical writers should stop trying to outperform massive artificial intelligence models and instead focus on becoming the architects of AI workflows. She highlights the contradiction of modern professionals being told they cannot match machine processing power while simultaneously being discouraged from using it as a professional tool. To resolve this, she proposes using separate digital assistants for divergent exploration and convergent drafting to prevent mental fatigue and confusion. By delegating data retrieval and initial structuring to automated systems, writers can preserve their energy for high-level tasks involving human judgment, style, and taste. Ultimately, the source suggests that the future of the craft lies in human-AI synergy, where the person provides the creative direction that gives the output meaning and value. _________________________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 Sivenkova article: https://tinyurl.com/yc3mhztf>> 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

Welcome to episode 174 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 unpack an article entitled "College Students Are Sprinkling Typos Into Their AI Papers on Purpose" that appeared in Futurism in May 2025.This episode examines how university students are utilizing creative strategies to disguise their use of generative artificial intelligence in academic assignments. To evade automated detection systems, learners are intentionally inserting grammatical errors and prompting chatbots to adopt a less sophisticated persona. Some students even cycle their work through multiple AI platforms to further distance the prose from its digital origins. While these methods allow individuals to bypass plagiarism safeguards, educators express concern that such shortcuts prevent students from developing critical thinking and authentic writing skills. Ultimately, the text highlights a growing tension between academic integrity and the rapid normalization of AI-assisted cheating in higher education._________________________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 Futurism article: https://tinyurl.com/55ax5mk5>> 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

Welcome to episode 173 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 unpack a January 4 article from LinkedIn News about NASA's upcoming Artemis II mission to the Moon. They outline the high-stakes preparations for Artemis II, a monumental mission that will return humans to lunar orbit for the first time in five decades. Scheduled for February 6, this ten-day journey will utilize the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule to ensure the safety of future deep-space travel. Beyond testing advanced engineering and software, the mission serves as a critical bridge toward establishing a permanent lunar presence and eventually reaching Mars. Recent updates highlight significant milestones, such as the dramatic rollout of the spacecraft for final testing and simulation phases. Overall, this mission is capturing a sense of global excitement as NASA prepares to launch a new era of human exploration._________________________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 "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

Welcome to episode 172 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 unpack a December 18 article from Ronnie Dumaguin, the Chief Business Development Officer at PT Pratesis in Jakarta, Indonesia. Dumaguin argues that strategic timing is the most critical factor in determining the success of corporate investments, often outweighing the importance of the actual capital spent. He highlights that delayed decision-making creates hidden costs, including operational inefficiencies and increased safety risks, which erode a company’s long-term financial health. Modern organizations frequently suffer from decision latency, where a preference for bureaucratic safety and certainty causes them to miss fleeting market advantages. To remain competitive, leaders are encouraged to shift from rigid calendar-based schedules to a dynamic model that responds to real-time operational signals. Ultimately, the source suggests that treating timing as a competitive weapon allows firms to build resilience and outperform those who only react once a crisis has already occurred._________________________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 original Dumaguin article: https://tinyurl.com/dr2exhvk>> 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

Welcome to episode 171 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 unpack a recent article from Basil Puglisi, a policy researcher and digital strategy consultant from New York City. The Puglisi article explores the structural biases embedded in artificial intelligence, specifically how training data from liberal Western institutions creates a "weird" psychological profile in LLMs. Through a case study on family and gender roles, Puglisi demonstrates how systems such as ChatGPT initially resisted evidence that contradicted mainstream social narratives, prioritizing reputational risk over data analysis. To counter this, Puglisi advocates for multi-platform governance, using different AI models to cross-validate information and uncover suppressed facts. He highlights a "mirror problem" where AI reflects the productivity-obsessed values of its creators rather than objective reality. Ultimately, the Puglisi article argues that human oversight and multi-AI collaboration are essential to prevent the uncritical adoption of biased digital outputs. It concludes by proposing a "Golden Age" paradigm, where AI gains are used to restore human time and connection rather than simply increasing economic output._________________________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 original Puglisi article: https://tinyurl.com/2zrem9cx>> 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