What is the core functional aim that distinguishes a technical writer from a copywriter, according to the comparison provided?
The technical writer aims for absolute clarity, while the copywriter aims for action.
The distinction between technical writing and copywriting lies fundamentally in their intended outcome or intent. Technical writers are focused on achieving absolute clarity, ensuring that complex concepts are understood precisely to prevent errors or confusion in procedures, usage, or compliance documentation. Conversely, the copywriter's primary objective is persuasion, aiming to elicit a specific action from the reader, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service. Mastering this difference—knowing whether the primary purpose is to inform definitively or to persuade effectively—is often cited as the factor separating average writers from highly compensated specialists in these fields.
