The Not-Boring Tech Writer
banner
thenotboringtechwriter.com
The Not-Boring Tech Writer
@thenotboringtechwriter.com
A podcast in which documentarians talk about all things tech writing, aiming to show the world that we are all not-boring tech writers!
https://thenotboringtechwriter.com/
In S3:E22, Dennis Dawson shares a clever video scripting method to avoid blank-page paralysis:

1. Record your demo
2. Upload it to Slack for auto-transcription
3. Clean it up
4. Re-record the polished version

#TechnicalWriting #VideoScripting #SlackTips
November 28, 2025 at 5:21 PM
🎙️ Just published a new episode of The Not-Boring Tech Writer: Self-documentation for career growth with Kate Pond. Have a listen:
Self-documentation for career growth with Kate Pond
In this episode, I talk with Kate Pond, a software engineer and former...
share.transistor.fm
November 27, 2025 at 7:00 AM
2025 has been an incredible year for The Not-Boring Tech Writer!

We're so grateful to the 13 amazing guests who joined us on the podcast this year. ❤️

Here's to more not-boring conversations in 2026! 🎙️
November 26, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Docs maintenance might not feel glamorous, but it's one of the most powerful ways we show care for our readers.

In S3:E23, Kate (@knowledgewithsass.bsky.social) talks about the impact of small actions and how picking up roadside trash connects to docs work.

#TechnicalWriting #Documentation
November 22, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Ever wonder why adding graphics to your docs can help readers understand and retain information better?

Dennis Dawson (@dennisdawson.bsky.social) explains the science behind focused vs. diffuse modes of thinking and why a brief visual break helps ideas percolate and form new connections.
November 18, 2025 at 8:35 PM
As of yesterday, The Not-Boring Tech Writer is officially part of the tech writing webring that CT Smith has created! 🎉

caseyrfsmith.github.io/webring/
Tech writing webring
caseyrfsmith.github.io
November 13, 2025 at 11:06 PM
🎙️ Just published a new episode of The Not-Boring Tech Writer: Kate sounds off on small things and repairs. Have a listen:
Kate sounds off on small things and repairs
In this solo episode, Kate talks about her latest content update...
share.transistor.fm
November 13, 2025 at 7:00 AM
⚡️ ✏️ To see Dennis Dawson's (@dennisdawson.bsky.social) visual approach to documentation, check out his lightning talk on why sketchnoting engages both sides of your brain, as well as his sketchnotes from past Write the Docs conferences.

Links in the comments!
November 11, 2025 at 9:54 PM
In S3:E22, Dennis Dawson (@dennisdawson.bsky.social) recommends 4 books that validated his approach to using visuals and humor in technical writing:

📚 Multimedia Learning
📚 Learning How to Learn
📚 A Mind for Numbers
📚 Uncommon Sense Teaching
November 10, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Great documentation makes readers feel smart.

In S3:E22, Dennis Dawson (@dennisdawson.bsky.social) talks about scaffolding concepts, using Hemingway-style clarity, and writing documentation that flows easily into readers' brains so they feel smart instead of lost.
November 7, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Think you need to be an artist to add visuals to your docs? Think again!

In our latest episode, Dennis Dawson—the tech writer behind the Write the Docs sketchnotes—shares why visuals and humor make docs more effective, plus practical tools and techniques you can explore right away.
November 4, 2025 at 10:42 PM
“I don't try to be funny. I'm just funny. And if you ever try to be funny, then you're not funny.”
– Dennis Dawson (@dennisdawson.bsky.social), the artist behind the Write the Docs sketchnotes

In our latest episode, Dennis shares why plain language + visual humor leads to better docs and much more!
October 31, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Reposted by The Not-Boring Tech Writer
👕 Would you like an extra reminder of Write the Docs Berlin, in addition to all the presentations and conversations? Our shirt store is still open until November 31st! Get your Write the Docs Berlin shirt from: shirt.writethedocs.org
October 31, 2025 at 10:53 AM
🎙️ Just published a new episode of The Not-Boring Tech Writer: Humor and visuals in technical writing with Dennis Dawson. Have a listen:
Humor and visuals in technical writing with Dennis Dawson
In this episode, I talk with Dennis Dawson, a technical writer with 40...
share.transistor.fm
October 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM
In her latest solo episode, Kate reflects on how models like Diátaxis and the Seven-Action Documentation model help us surface our own beliefs about docs.

She also muses on the restorative potential of maintenance work.

🎧 Listen to S3:E21 in your favorite podcast app!
October 23, 2025 at 1:42 PM
🎙️ Just published a new episode of The Not-Boring Tech Writer: Kate sounds off on beliefs and maintenance work. Have a listen:
Kate sounds off on beliefs and maintenance work
In this solo episode, Kate shares an update on her content update...
share.transistor.fm
October 16, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti's (@theletterf.bsky.social) "dynamic seniority" concept:

Growth isn't continuous—it's a ladder. It's natural to alternate between stable periods (maintaining skills and recharging) and sudden climbs (capabilities leap forward).

Listen to S3:E20 to hear more from Fabri!
October 14, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Technical writers are shapeshifters—we adapt to whatever the situation demands.

Listen to our latest episode with Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti (@theletterf.bsky.social) on strategic thinking, his Seven-Action Documentation model, and growing as a tech writer in the AI era.
October 9, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Reposted by The Not-Boring Tech Writer
Would you be interested in a panel episode that would bring together multiple tech writers to discuss a specific topic?

If so, add a comment below with topic ideas! What would you want to hear tech writers discuss together?

Your input will help us shape future episodes!
October 3, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Would you be interested in a panel episode that would bring together multiple tech writers to discuss a specific topic?

If so, add a comment below with topic ideas! What would you want to hear tech writers discuss together?

Your input will help us shape future episodes!
October 3, 2025 at 5:01 PM
🎙️ Just published a new episode of The Not-Boring Tech Writer: Growing as a technical writer in the AI era with Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti. Have a listen:
Growing as a technical writer in the AI era with Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti
In this episode, I talk with Fabrizio Ferri-Benedetti about moving...
share.transistor.fm
October 2, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Great quote from Fabrizio & Tom's new AI & Docs podcast:

“…this is a good reason for people to be optimistic about the future of docs: if AI tools are really poor without good documentation, then which company is going to undercut themselves by removing documentation?”

We recommend this podcast! 😊
October 1, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Creating great documentation is an act of giving great service.

We love Zingerman's (@zingermans.bsky.social) 3-step recipe for giving great service:

1️⃣ Find out what your customer wants;
2️⃣ Get it for them accurately, politely, and enthusiastically;
3️⃣ Go above and beyond, or go the extra mile.
September 26, 2025 at 4:39 PM