Dana, I appreciate you pointing out the importance of ethical behavior. Ethical behavior is important and my advice crossed the line. By implying the inclusion of random characters was something that I might choose to do, rather than an unavoidable "feature" of a trial version, I conveyed a wrong and misleading context. That could indeed get you into trouble.
Here's my new advice. Buy legitimate copies of software and become a power user, produce excellent samples and you have your "in" with prospective employers. Now that I think through the issue a little more, could using those samples as part of a portfolio--with or without random characters--be considered unethical? Would using materials produced with trial software for a tangible project such as a portfolio piece go beyond the purpose of the trial software? Is using trial software to solely enhance your skills outside the realm of fair use? Presumably, Madcap is okay with whatever work you produce during an evaluation period as long as you buy the software after the evaluation period because purchased copies of Madcap's software will strip out the random characters. It's just something to think about. Tom Johnson 231-944-7454 tajohn...@microlinetc.com -----Original Message----- From: tcp-boun...@techcommpros.com [mailto:tcp-boun...@techcommpros.com] On Behalf Of Dana Worley Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 12:19 PM To: tcp@techcommpros.com Subject: Re: [TCP] Technical writing and tools On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, Thomas Johnson wrote: > An alternative would be to include a disclaimer stating that the > random characters are included to discourage unauthorized re-use of > your samples. I'd avoid that situation if possible. I agree with most of Tom's comments. Think about it, if my developers code our applications in C++ and I am looking for another resource, it only make sense for me to hire a qualified C++ programmer rather than a Delphi programmer if I can. Technical writing tools are no different. Become fluent in many tools, and your skills are more marketable. The one point of advice I disagree with is the one I've included above. From my perspective, such a comment would be untrue and would more than likely get you "caught out" by any interviewer who actually knows the tool. Failing to state the truth during an interview or in your portfolio is not going to win you any points with the hiring parties. 2 cents, Dana W. *************************** Dana Worley Software Product Manager/Manager, Software Support Group Campbell Scientific, Inc. Microsoft MVP, Windows Help www.jestersbaubles.etsy.com ______________________________________________ ComponentOne Doc-To-Help 2009 is your all-in-one authoring and publishing solution. Author in Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word or HTML and publish to the Web, Help systems or printed manuals. Download Free Trial. www.doctohelp.comhttp://www.techcommpros.com/componentone/ Interactive 3D Documentation Parts catalogs, animated instructions, and more. www.i3deverywhere.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email t...@techcommpros.com. Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to tcp-subscr...@techcommpros.com Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to tcp-unsubscr...@techcommpros.com Need help? Contact listad...@techcommpros.com Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
