[TCP] Reply to Lisa re First time for everything
Hi, Lisa. Best wishes to you! Even though there are likely to be wonderful opportunities, it is still hard to hear that your services are no longer needed, to pack up your belongings, and to say goodbye to friends and colleagues. My turn came in the Fall of 2003. The company I was working for had a company meeting where they told us how well the company was doing and that 50% of us in the room would be getting envelopes with departure dates! My departure date, after 23 years with the company, was 6 weeks from the announcement. I was working on a project that the VP of Engineering was going to assume responsibility (yes, as a technical writer). I worked closely with a couple of people, including the product manager, to convince the company to give me a contract to finish the project. They did and I was happily employed for another six weeks on top of the six-week notice period. I decided to celebrate my sudden freedom from a job to go to by getting into my car and driving to visit some dear friends several hours away for a long weekend. It was a wonderful feeling! For the first time in many years, I didn't have a day job requiring me to show up Monday morning. A week later I started a serious job search, which, along with the contract, kept me very busy until the end of the year, too busy to grieve (as Donna noted). By early February, when I'd been seriously unemployed for a month, I found myself feeling a bit less celebratory and a bit more worried! I had a meltdown at a family gathering when someone asked one too many questions and offered one too many suggestion! But it was good to let it all out. Three weeks later I had a new job that gave me the first opportunity in my long career as a technical writer to use my language skills. I didn't even know what localization was when I took the job. Three years later I feel that one door closed and another wonderful door opened. In addition, the morning I started at the new job, another company -- that had me going back and forth for several interviews and writing tests -- called to offer me a job, too! You have an interesting journey ahead of you. I hope that you enjoy it. Carol __ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com ___ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
Re: [TCP] Reply to Lisa re First time for everything
Best of luck, Lisa!!! As Carol said, whenever one door has closed (as a result of a RIF), another door has opened. That said, however, there is a bit of an adjustment and mourning period. When we finally closed down an office (after six years of working together during acquisitions and all), it felt like we were getting divorced. I enjoyed the freedom and spent the next year working on consulting jobs (eventually deciding that it was time to address the benefits issue and that I do get better benefits as a captive employee). But it was weird not seeing the same dozen guys that I'd worked with for years! We do keep in touch, though I have to admit my sharp repartee has suffered as a result of not constantly being the butt of their jokes for six years (the last year was 12 guys and me, so yeah, you can bet how much teasing *I* got!). Take time to mourn the divorce but have fun! You've got a great opportunity now, and it sounds like the timing is almost perfect (perfect is when you pick it yourself, but this is close! grin). ...sue __ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com ___ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
Re: [TCP] first time for everything
First, congratulations on the new adventure and new business. Next, some answers: --- Lisa M. (Bronson) Gielczyk (TCP) [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: * I received severance; can I also get unemployment? Now, or after the18 weeks? Varies from state to state. Ask at local welfare office. * What resources do you know of for starting a business, particularly a woman-owned business? Apply to state and federal small business organizations, which are gov't funded and will help you if you are a woman or can claim minority status. * Have you ever done a press release to announce a new business or make some other announcement? Yes, but I prefer to announce events within the business as a means of introducing the business, as in Gielczyk Consulting perfects Three-Dimensional Help System. * Corporation, LLC, or other business setup? DBA, for starters, since it takes four hours total :) * Other things I haven't even thought of, yet? Businesses with a future aren't afraid to purchase exciting office supplies. User Interface design blog http://user-advocacy.blogspot.com/ Code::Design::UI::Consulting http://www.dionysius.com/ __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com ___ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
Re: [TCP] first time for everything
Chris Borokowski wrote: Businesses with a future aren't afraid to purchase exciting office supplies. Like a nice hot tub, a waterproof laptop and a big grill. I'm sure they're all deductible. Al Geist Technical Writing, Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design and Award Winning Videos Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140 Cell: 802-578-3964 E-mail: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] URL: http://www.geistassociates.com (Online portfolio and resume) See also: URL: http://www.geistimages.com (Fine art photographic prints for home or office and beautiful note cards for all occasions.) __ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com ___ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
Re: [TCP] first time for everything
We're thinking along similar lines. Need a collaborator? --- Al Geist [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Chris Borokowski wrote: Businesses with a future aren't afraid to purchase exciting office supplies. Like a nice hot tub, a waterproof laptop and a big grill. I'm sure they're all deductible. User Interface design blog http://user-advocacy.blogspot.com/ Code::Design::UI::Consulting http://www.dionysius.com/ __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com __ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com ___ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
[TCP] User Forums
Hi All, I hope you won't find my post too off base, since my inquiry is about technical *communication* though not necessarily about writing. This is a diverse group of people who cover a variety of industries so I think you are good group to toss this question to :) Every so often someone within our organization offers up the suggestion of starting an on-line forum for the users of our dataloggers. I was wondering if your company offers this service to your users, how (or if) you moderate it, the amount of time it takes to manage the forum, pro's, con's, etc. -- essentially, any thoughts you might have regarding on-line forums *from a company's perspective* (we all know they are invaluable from a user's perspective). I have my thoughts on this, but I would like to hear yours, so I'll reserve mine for later :) Thanks, Dana *** Dana Worley Software Product Manager/Manager, Software Support Group Campbell Scientific, Inc. Microsoft MVP, Windows Help __ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com ___ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
Re: [TCP] User Forums
Hey Dana! PGP uses online forums. Basically, they are support forums and are monitored by support and various other (as assigned) PGP staff. These are the people who respond to users on the forums. Some of the rest of us monitor them, just to see what's going on in our user's respective worlds. I think they are VERY useful, particularly if the user community participates (customer A asks a question, customer B can pop in and answer or provide additional information. If no customers pop in, then PGP's support folks will. Sometimes they will anyways!!! I'm on a conference call, so this is really brief. Let me know if you want more info... ...sue On 5/2/07, Dana Worley [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi All, I hope you won't find my post too off base, since my inquiry is about technical *communication* though not necessarily about writing. This is a diverse group of people who cover a variety of industries so I think you are good group to toss this question to :) Every so often someone within our organization offers up the suggestion of starting an on-line forum for the users of our dataloggers. I was wondering if your company offers this service to your users, how (or if) you moderate it, the amount of time it takes to manage the forum, pro's, con's, etc. -- essentially, any thoughts you might have regarding on-line forums *from a company's perspective* (we all know they are invaluable from a user's perspective). I have my thoughts on this, but I would like to hear yours, so I'll reserve mine for later :) Thanks, Dana *** Dana Worley Software Product Manager/Manager, Software Support Group Campbell Scientific, Inc. Microsoft MVP, Windows Help __ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com ___ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com __ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com ___ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
