List History

In the beginning, there was TechWr-L, a very respectable list for technical writers. It was a good list, a helpful list, but there were some who felt held back by the list admin's strict rules disallowing off-topic posts. Sure they wanted to talk about tech writing, just not all the time. In November of 1996, someone proposed a new, freer list and thus Techcomm was born!

Iain Harrison, Mike Bygrave, and Johanne Gray were among the original founders. Iain bravely took the reins and arranged to host the new list, and there was much rejoicing. Iain valiantly maintained the list until 2000, when Mike Bygrave took it over.

Suggestions for newbies

If you're new to Techcomm, may we suggest that you watch and listen for a few days before you join in. You'll find that Techcomm is a very friendly and very special list, and that's due in part to the fact that we are self-regulating. This doesn't mean that we tell each other when to shut up, but rather that for most of the time each member knows for themselves when it's time to let matters rest.  Members on Techcomm don't make fun of each other because of the views people hold - and some of us hold our views quite passionately -  but they may well make fun of someone who gets on a particular hobby-horse he goes on and on and on and doesn't know when to stop. Everyone has their own opinions, but an argumentative email on Techcomm has never been known to make anyone change their opinion.

On Techcomm we agree to differ. That means we respect each other. That means we can trust each other too. And we deliberately don't have an archive, either, which makes some people more open than they might be on other lists. In fact, people have shared intensely personal and moving experiences on Techcomm, and have known that their fellow members would not ridicule or belittle them but show them genuine support and friendship instead.

Don't forget that everything contributed to the Techcomm list by list members, and everything appearing on this web site, is complete fiction. If you choose to believe something you read on the list or on this web site, that's entirely up to you.

MEMBER PROFILES

Everything you ever wanted to know about techcommers, but couldn't be bothered to ask...

Blogs and biz sites: See what Techcommers have to say for themselves off-list.

Personality quiz reveals Techcommers are all very similar... See the results.

Techcommers at Work
A summary of job titles, work spaces, and background training

Who's Where
A quick rundown of where are members are writing from.

LIST DOS AND DON'TS

Don't send a post questionning whether another post is off-topic. All posts are on-topic! (Except for above-mentioned posts)

Don't quote entire messages in your replies, unless they are short and relevant to your reply. No one likes clutter.

Do feel free to talk about Britney Spears as much you like. Just remember, talking about her is not going to turn her into your love slave, no matter what you might think.