Obviously, engineers are literate, and usually intelligent enough to form a lucid linguistic construct. But even if their words are grammatically flawless, the resulting expanse of abstruse syntax is often the diametric opposite of what can be considered “communication.” The prose of an engineer treats the reader as if they have the cognitive powers of a robot.
Through natural ability and years of practice, I have honed my ability to communicate complex concepts through clear, concise writing. That is how I get to be a technical writer. Where do engineers get off thinking that “anyone can write?” Sure, anyone can cook too, but few have the culinary prowess to be considered a chef. I make a mean grilled cheese, but I’m not going to attempt ricotta gnocchi with tomato passatina, pecorino romano, and frizzled leek relish for $30 a plate.
If engineers want to express themselves, they can build a bridge, develop an artificial body organ, create a food additive, design a portable music player, or construct an aircraft carrier… Engineers are experts in engineering, a discipline that a group of engineers once defined as the creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation and safety to life and property.
Undeniably, an engineer crafted that explanation. My point exactly.
