Technical writing is too important to leave to language models

The article discusses the significance of technical writing and argues against the notion that language models (LLMs) can replace human writers in this field. The author, Elliot, reflects on his journey as a technical writer, starting during the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Despite concerns about job security due to LLMs, he emphasizes that companies still struggle to find skilled technical writers and are willing to pay well for their expertise. Elliot identifies key elements that differentiate effective technical writing from LLM-generated content: the necessity of personal opinions, the importance of "ghost knowledge" (implicit knowledge gained through experience), and the need for contextual understanding in tutorials. He argues that good technical writing is rooted in authentic experiences and insights, which LLMs cannot replicate. The article highlights the value of hands-on learning and the role of technical writers in making complex knowledge accessible. Elliot concludes by encouraging more individuals in tech to contribute to quality technical writing, asserting that the demand for thoughtful and well-crafted content remains high despite the rise of AI tools.

- Technical writing is essential and cannot be fully replaced by language models.

- Effective technical writing requires personal experience and authentic opinions.

- "Ghost knowledge" is crucial for understanding complex topics and is best conveyed through human writers.

- Contextual understanding enhances the learning experience in technical tutorials.

- There is a continued demand for quality technical writing in the tech industry.