To those who fired or didn't hire tech writers because of AI

I don't think I've ever seen documentation from tech writers that was worth reading: if a tech writer can read code and understand it, why are they making half or less of what they would as an engineer? The post complains about AI making things up in subtle ways, but I've seen exactly the same thing happen with tech writers hired to document code: they documented what they thought should happen instead of what actually happened.

Re: To those who fired or didn't hire tech writers because of AI

#7

Post by [deleted] » Thu, Jan 15, 2026, 10:43 AM UTC

murderfs wrote: post #6

I don't think I've ever seen documentation from tech writers that was worth reading: if a tech writer can read code and understand it, why are they making half or less of what they would as an engineer? The post complains about AI making things up in subtle ways, but I've seen exactly the same thing happen with tech writers hired to document code: they documented what they thought should happen instead of what actual…

[deleted]

Re: To those who fired or didn't hire tech writers because of AI

#8

Post by amelius » Thu, Jan 15, 2026, 10:43 AM UTC

theletterf wrote: post #5

aurareturn wrote: post #4

But you might not need 5 tech writers anymore. Just 1 who controls an LLM.

Perhaps. Could the same be said for engineers?

Yes. But they are now called managers.

Re: To those who fired or didn't hire tech writers because of AI

#9

Post by sehugg » Thu, Jan 15, 2026, 10:43 AM UTC

The best tech writers I've known have been more like anthropologists, bridging communication between product management, engineers, and users. With this perspective they often give feedback that makes the product better.

Re: To those who fired or didn't hire tech writers because of AI

#10

Post by saagarjha » Thu, Jan 15, 2026, 10:45 AM UTC

murderfs wrote: post #6

I don't think I've ever seen documentation from tech writers that was worth reading: if a tech writer can read code and understand it, why are they making half or less of what they would as an engineer? The post complains about AI making things up in subtle ways, but I've seen exactly the same thing happen with tech writers hired to document code: they documented what they thought should happen instead of what actual…

Not everyone wants to write code.