Technical writing is a demanding, yet largely unappreciated vocation.
When you further restrict the focus to technical writing about operating systems, programming interfaces, and development tools for trade magazines and book publishers, you've got a vocation that is not only demanding and unappreciated, but decidedly peculiar as well. They all have an obvious affection for programming coupled with years of experience in the front lines of software development. They exhibit an attention to detail and respect for accuracy that borders on fanatical. They write about things they've done, not things they've heard. They are quick to acknowledge the ideas and accomplishments of others, wasting little time on turf wars or battles for precedence.