Knowing which questions to ask, and knowing how to handle the answers, is a non-minor job skill, IMHO. [Disclaimer: five years in a job with “Tech Writer” in my title, although I also did programming and sysad work in that job. Almost eight years now in a job with “Programmer” in my title, although I’m also the go-to person in the company (small company) for tech writing. IOW, I think good tech writers are highly respectable persons, but I’m prejudiced.]