Welcome to episode 181 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode!

In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review the recent news that Silicon Valley and the tech job market overall is experiencing a large number of layoffs. Layoffs normally occur when companies are cash strapped or experiencing low revenue.

However, tech companies are generating tons of revenue. They are getting rid of staff to compensate for the huge investment being made into physical infrastructure, mostly data centers and the chips that populate them (including powering them). Firms such as Amazon and Meta are prioritizing AI infrastructure over headcount.

High capital expenditures on GPUs are driving mass layoffs, forcing a shift toward lean, AI-integrated teams. Workers now face longer unemployment and higher anxiety.

_________________________

I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt

_________________________

>> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz

>> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu

>> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks

>> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv

>> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy

>> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8

>> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp

>> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7

>> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw

>> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v

>> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb

>> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td

>> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

Welcome to episode 180 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode!

In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review the recent news that U.S. companies are laying off 52,000 employees.

Major American firms such as Amazon, Dow, Mastercard, and UPS have announced more than 52,000 layoffs in early 2026. While some cite market shifts, many enterprise organizations are leveraging AI to cut costs. Experts warn of a structural reset in white-collar work, urging employees to build judgment-based skills that go beyond the current capabilities of AI.

_________________________

I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt

_________________________

>> Gain AI skills with premium customized one-on-one training and coaching from Curt Robbins: https://tinyurl.com/mr3m5fdz

>> Read the Robbins article "Is the Use of AI Cheating?": https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu

>> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks

>> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv

>> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy

>> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8

>> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp

>> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7

>> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw

>> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v

>> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb

>> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td

>> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

Welcome to episode 180 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode!

In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review a new article by show producer Curt Robbins entitled "Is the Use of AI Cheating?" that was published on LinkedIn on January 25.

Robbins challenges the social stigma surrounding artificial intelligence by arguing that using these tools for content creation does not inherently constitute cheating. He asserts that subject matter expertise is essential when utilizing AI, as the technology should only be used to generate rough drafts that require significant human oversight and editing.

Robbins maintains that the quality of the final product is a more important metric for success than the specific tools used during the development process. By comparing AI to traditional resources like search engines or spellcheck, Robbins frames it as a modern instrument for increasing professional efficiency.

Robbins concludes by suggesting that, while unethical shortcuts are a matter of personal integrity, the judicious use of technology can lead to superior and more productive outcomes.

_________________________

I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt

_________________________

>> Read the Robbins article: https://tinyurl.com/22ycnfeu

>> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks

>> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv

>> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy

>> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8

>> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp

>> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7

>> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw

>> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v

>> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb

>> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td

>> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

Welcome to episode 179 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode!

In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review the hot new topic of microshifting, the controversial workplace trend in which so many employees and managers are showing an interest.

They explore the emerging workplace concept of microshifting, a trend where employees abandon the standard 9-to-5 schedule in favor of brief, non-linear work blocks.

This practice allows individuals to align their professional tasks with their natural energy levels, personal obligations, and peak productivity periods. Research indicates that a significant majority of workers are interested in this method to reclaim control over their daily lives, particularly parents and caregivers who manage complex responsibilities.

Supporters highlight that this approach respects human biology and neuroscience by preventing burnout and fostering deeper focus. While some critics view the term as corporate jargon, many experts believe it is a vital evolution in hybrid work that enhances long-term employee retention and well-being.

This video describes a shift toward structured flexibility that prioritizes effective energy use over mere hours spent at a desk.

_________________________

I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt

_________________________

>> Read the Robbins article "Debunking 10 Tech Myths": https://tinyurl.com/yfadurks

>> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv

>> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy

>> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8

>> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp

>> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7

>> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw

>> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v

>> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb

>> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td

>> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

Welcome to episode 178 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode!

In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred review a great and thought provoking article by Douglas Erickson entitled "A Shift: Technical Writer to Documentation Product Manager?" that was published on LinkedIn on January 22.

Erickson explores the evolving landscape of technical writing, specifically focusing on the transition toward a documentation product manager model. He suggests that traditional writing roles are being threatened by generative AI, which corporations view as a tool for achieving content at scale.

This shift divides the profession between specialists focused on linguistic precision and those who adopt product management strategies to oversee documentation ecosystems. To remain relevant, practitioners are encouraged to embrace Agile methodologies and technical automation rather than relying solely on manual drafting.

Erickson argues that modern writers must act as strategic translators who manage complex information architectures in an increasingly automated industry.

_________________________

I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt

_________________________

>> Read the Erickson article: https://tinyurl.com/373xtzw2

>> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv

>> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy

>> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8

>> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp

>> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7

>> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw

>> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v

>> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb

>> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td

>> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

Welcome to episode 177 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode!

In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred unpack an informative article by French AI guru Elsa Sklavounou entitled "The Workflow Decides: Automation as Control" that was published on LinkedIn on January 20 (link below).

Sklavounou explores how power and authority are embedded within the architectural workflows of automated systems rather than in their surface-level policies. She argues that many "human-in-the-loop" designs are merely performative theater because critical decisions are locked in long before a person can provide meaningful input.

To ensure genuine accountability, systems must include intentional "keyholes" that allow users to interrupt, redirect, or override outcomes in real time. Sklavounou argues that true governance requires treating end users as active regulators who can apply situational judgment, rather than viewing them as passive data points or risks to be managed.

Sklavounou concludes that overcoming invisible control necessitates a shift from external auditing toward a design-led approach that prioritizes reversibility and human agency within the technical flow.

_________________________

I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt

_________________________

>> Read the Sklavounou article: https://tinyurl.com/42hayt2j

>> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv

>> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy

>> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8

>> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp

>> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7

>> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw

>> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v

>> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb

>> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td

>> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

Welcome to episode 176 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode!

In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred unpack an insightful article by German senior technical editor Tanja Lorber entitled "Task-Based Documentation and Personas: Bridging Structure and Usability" that was published on January 9 on LinkedIn.

Lorber explores the evolution of technical documentation at a software company, moving from basic interface descriptions to a user-focused, task-based approach. She describes how her team implemented targeted personas to better understand the diverse technical backgrounds and professional needs of their audience.

By collaborating with experts to create these functional profiles, the technical writers were able to design more accessible entry points for newcomers without sacrificing depth. Lorber details how they utilized artificial intelligence to audit their content and ensure it remains aligned with these established user types.

Ultimately, Lorber argues that structuring information around human goals is essential for creating truly effective and usable documentation.

_________________________

I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt

_________________________

>> Read the Lorber article: https://tinyurl.com/4tkvfurm

>> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv

>> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy

>> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8

>> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp

>> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7

>> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw

>> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v

>> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb

>> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td

>> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5

Welcome to episode 175 of the Technical Writing Success podcast from Curt Robbins. This podcast is targeted at IT professionals, technical writers, and information architects. Subscribe today to never miss a single daily episode!

In today’s episode, charismatic hosts Daphne and Fred unpack an article by technical writer Maria Sivenkova entitled "What to do if you can't compete with the 3.6-terabyte model: A technical writer’s survival guide in 2026" that was published on LinkedIn on January 8.

Sivenkova argues that technical writers should stop trying to outperform massive artificial intelligence models and instead focus on becoming the architects of AI workflows.

She highlights the contradiction of modern professionals being told they cannot match machine processing power while simultaneously being discouraged from using it as a professional tool.

To resolve this, she proposes using separate digital assistants for divergent exploration and convergent drafting to prevent mental fatigue and confusion.

By delegating data retrieval and initial structuring to automated systems, writers can preserve their energy for high-level tasks involving human judgment, style, and taste.

Ultimately, the source suggests that the future of the craft lies in human-AI synergy, where the person provides the creative direction that gives the output meaning and value.

_________________________

I'm currently taking on new clients. I enjoy helping companies with their documentation and communications strategy and implementation. Contact me to learn about my reasonable rates and fast turnaround. — Curt

_________________________

>> Read the Sivenkova article: https://tinyurl.com/yc3mhztf

>> Read the Robbins article "Understanding America's New Space Policy": https://tinyurl.com/35ka2fsv

>> Read the Robbins article "The Global AI Race: America vs. China": https://tinyurl.com/2uckj7wy

>> Read the Robbins article "Why Large Language Models are Changing the World": https://tinyurl.com/58hr8fn8

>> Read the Robbins article "Tool Review: Adobe FrameMaker" article: https://tinyurl.com/5dj3b8tp

>> Read the Robbins article "Helping Junior Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/yc82h4j7

>> Read the Robbins article "10 Famous Technical Writers": https://tinyurl.com/5ejznknw

>> Read the Robbins article "Tech Writers: Embrace Structured Content": https://tinyurl.com/32ysxm3v

>> Read the Robbins article "Role of User Experience in Tech Writing": https://tinyurl.com/mrdtenbb

>> Join the AI for Career Success group on LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/mr28u7td

>> Subscribe to the weekly Tech Writing Success newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/yc7dbfy3

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success podcast: https://tinyurl.com/mppehxtn

>> Subscribe to the AI for Career Success YouTube Channel: https://tinyurl.com/3bn7amv5