[TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
At times, I wonder why technical writers are the least common denominators in a software company. For example, if I submit a document for review, people schedule it for the last few hours of a business day. This amply explains the 'importance' given to that task. Moreover, I have to work with arrogant developers, testers, SMEs, and managers, who don't care a damn about the information needs of technical writers. There is also an absurd level of "technical apartheid" that at times gives a really wretched feeling. Since a majority of the technical writers have no programming background or releavant domain knowledge, people find it very easy to dismiss them as irrelevant irritants. Ultimately, the conclusion that I can arrive at is that this is a ridiculous and thankless job. Do you agree? Raj _ Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. http://windows.microsoft.com/shop __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
No, I do not agree that it is a ridiculous and thankless job. Educate those around you as to your true competencies, which are plain language writing, procedural writing, clear and concise communication, liaison between developers and others in the company, user analysis, task analysis, usability, user performance support, user experience improvement, contributing to other departments such as QA, customer support, training, and even marketing & sales, and helping maintain the company image in user-facing communication. Our profession is one of relationship building -- first with our users, but also with SMEs, development colleagues, and other stakeholders. We are one of the few professions that interface with nearly every other department in a company. We are one of the few employees who gets to see the big picture of what is being developed. Take ownership of your publications. You schedule the meeting, outline your information needs in a documentation plan and get stakeholder signoff on it. Their signoff implies acceptance of the terms therein, including the requirement for SMEs to be available for interviews, and for timely reviews of drafts. State that clearly in your doc plan. See yourself as the consummate professional communicator that you are, and approach your job that way. They NEED us badly, because few others can really do what we do. It's a shame we have to educate our employers and colleagues, but it comes with the territory. And it's still the best profession ever. --Beth Beth Agnew, Professor Co-ordinator, Technical Communication Program Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology Toronto, ON http://www.senecatechcomm.com raj nair wrote: At times, I wonder why technical writers are the least common denominators in a software company. For example, if I submit a document for review, people schedule it for the last few hours of a business day. This amply explains the 'importance' given to that task. Moreover, I have to work with arrogant developers, testers, SMEs, and managers, who don't care a damn about the information needs of technical writers. There is also an absurd level of "technical apartheid" that at times gives a really wretched feeling. Since a majority of the technical writers have no programming background or releavant domain knowledge, people find it very easy to dismiss them as irrelevant irritants. Ultimately, the conclusion that I can arrive at is that this is a ridiculous and thankless job. Do you agree? Raj _ Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. http://windows.microsoft.com/shop __ 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 __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
Sorry to hear you're having such a hard time at your company Raj. I have been lucky in that with the exception of working for one of the auto companies in the late 1960s (shortly after graduating high school), I've always been treated as a valuable member of a team. I will admit that this is partly due to my attitude. If need be, I can be as arrogant as the developers, SMEs, testers, and managers. I don't allow anyone to talk down to me and I don't talk down to anyone. Then again, unlike your description of a majority of tech writers (no programming background or relevant domain knowledge), my background includes a minor in Computer Science, web development, and time spent building and maintaining complex electronic systems (hardware and software). As a manager, I tend to hire writers with at least some experience in software or hardware (depending on the project) because it overcomes many of the problems you are currently experiencing. You can't demand respectyou earn respect Developers, SMEs, et. al. are extremely busy. If you want their respect, don't waste their time whining about how they treat you. Learn programming (at least the basics of the languages the company is using). If you are documenting hardware, learn to read schematics and production drawings. When you ask for information, be focused on what you want. I work hard at understanding the manufacturing, operation and service of the complex systems I document because I find it all fascinating and I expect every writer working for me to do the same. I don't want someone working for me just because it's a job. I want them working for me because they love writing and challenges. You will be treated as an irrelevant irritant if you are one. If you bust butt and become a knowledge sponge, and start asking relevant questions, you will find the attitude you describe toward tech writers will change. However, if you truly believe that this is a ridiculous and thankless job...get a different job. Nobody says you have to spend your life doing something you don't like. Al Geist Technical Communicator, Help, Web Design, Video, Photography Office/Msg: 802-872-9190 Cell: 802-578-3964 E-mail: al.ge...@geistassociates.com Website: www.geistassociates.com See Also: Fine Art Photography Website: www.geistarts.com "...I walked to work, quit my job, and kept walking. Better to be a pilgrim without a destination, I figured, than to cross the wrong threshold each day." (Sy Safransky) __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
I have had times when I felt this way. But you know what, at those times I asked around and I was not the only feeling that way, even developers can feel that way at times too! Different projects, different PMs, different days of the week..can all lead one to feel a bit frustrated and undervalued. You just have to prove yourself and not be afraid of being annoying if that is what it takes to get a document completed. Also in my experience, the people that do not value you..probably do not value anyone but those whose butts they can kiss and themselves! The rest of the people do value you..they just may be too busy to show it! I worked at a small software house for three years and was always getting documentation up to the minute the software had to be delivered..so I definitely feel your pain! My advice...hang in there...keep coming to these mailing lists where you learn A LOT and everyone values technical writers! Most importantly, value yourself and the work you do..do not let the feeling of being undervalued affect your work! Finally..learn the value of a short walk on a short break! It works WONDERS Happy Holidays and hang in there!!! Melissa > From: raj_gree...@hotmail.com > To: tcp@techcommpros.com > Date: Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:57:28 +0530 > Subject: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain? > > > At times, I wonder why technical writers are the least common denominators in > a software company. For example, if I submit a document for review, people > schedule it for the last few hours of a business day. This amply explains the > 'importance' given to that task. Moreover, I have to work with arrogant > developers, testers, SMEs, and managers, who don't care a damn about the > information needs of technical writers. There is also an absurd level of > "technical apartheid" that at times gives a really wretched feeling. Since a > majority of the technical writers have no programming background or releavant > domain knowledge, people find it very easy to dismiss them as irrelevant > irritants. Ultimately, the conclusion that I can arrive at is that this is a > ridiculous and thankless job. Do you agree? > > > > Raj > > _ > Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. > http://windows.microsoft.com/shop > __ > 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 __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
> At times, I wonder why technical writers are the least common denominators in > a software company. Only if you allow yourself to be. > For example, if I submit a document for review, people schedule it for the > last few hours of a business day. This amply explains the 'importance' given > to that task. Or that they have their own jobs to do as well. > Moreover, I have to work with arrogant developers, testers, SMEs, and > managers, who don't care a damn about the information needs of technical > writers. What are your needs? What are their expectations of you? How are you meeting them and altering them when they don't fit? > There is also an absurd level of "technical apartheid" that at times gives a > really wretched feeling. Since a majority of the technical writers have no > programming background or releavant domain knowledge, people find it very > easy to dismiss them as irrelevant irritants. > I've never experienced this. > Ultimately, the conclusion that I can arrive at is that this is a ridiculous > and thankless job. Do you agree? Nope. -- Bill Swallow Twitter: @techcommdood Blog: http://techcommdood.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood Available for contract and full time opportunities. STC Ideas: http://stcideas.ning.com Join: http://stcideas.ning.com/?xgi=6X1vNGI __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
I wouldn't say it's "ridiculous and thankless", but it is just a fact of corporate life that some functions will be more highly valued. If I had only limited funds and could retain either a tech writer or an engineer, I would have to choose the engineer. We may tell people "how to make the product work", but they do in fact make the product. That said, I don't disagree with those that say this is a profession with all its attendant rights and privileges and point up all the good that we do for the corporation. I think tech writing is still in the nebulous stage that doctoring was in back in the mid19th/early 20th century - it's struggling to be recognized as a true profession, but not there yet. There is no organization comparable to the AMA to take us all the way, and I say this as a senior member of STC. It's been 56 years now. "Business analyst" and "information architect" somehow have a more professional ring, maybe because they have more tangible value to the powers that be. If you can show me where my processes can be improved, or how I can increase traffic at my website, you're providing visible value. If you can make me a better manual than an engineer, show me how that improves my bottom line. It may be clear to us, but it's not so to others. The nose dive in salaries and contract rates speaks for itself. It looks like Raj is tired of fighting the good fight. There are good places to work that are invested in high quality writing, but they are certainly not in the majority. Fight to get in there, fight to keep quality up, fight to be recognized as a professional - sometimes you just get tired of fighting. That's what vacations are for. It may look better in 2010, Raj. Happy Holidays Jack DeLand __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
Raj, No, you are not alone, and it is not just software companies. I have dealt with this same exact problem in the past. That being said, I agree with the rest of the group that basically said that how you get treated is up to you. In my case, I work in manufacturing, and have for over 35 years. Like Mr. Geist, I can be one arrogant SOB when I have to be because like him, I have the experience and knowledge to back me up. This is, I believe, the key reason why there is so much disrespect being shown toward the profession today. A TW degree, or any other writing related degree, means nothing if you don't understand the technology youself. If you don't understand the technology, learn it. I have had to do this repeatedly. A good example was my foray into security x-ray systems. I knew nothing about them, but I learned quickly. The fact that I had a solid grounding in physics, electrical system, engineering materials, mechanics, manufacturing processes, and computers (an AS in computer science) gave me enough of a background to be able to quickly identify what it was I didn't know. So what do you have to do to put yourself in the same position as the rest of us so you can earn the respect necessary to do your job? Start learning the basics of software development and programming. take a class on BASIC, C++, JAVA, or what ever other language the programers are using. Get a book of AGILE or other development methods, and one on general system analysis. No, you don't have to become an expert. You are not trying to compete with those people. You just need to learn their language, and the key concepts of the field. This should start you down the right road. However, there are always those few cases where the folks you are working with really are just a bunch of arrogant clowns. I have been through that scenario a few times myself. All you can do in such a case is start the job hunt and find someone who will appreciate your skills. I know it's tough right now, but it can be done. I did it this last Spring after a year of trying to improve things at my last position. I found another opportunity and acted on it. I now work with a great group of people who treat me with respect. You can find the same type of environment if you work at it. Jason A. Czekalski At times, I wonder why technical writers are the least common denominators in a software company. For example, if I submit a document for review, people schedule it for the last few hours of a business day. This amply explains the 'importance' given to that task. Moreover, I have to work with arrogant developers, testers, SMEs, and managers, who don't care a damn about the information needs of technical writers. There is also an absurd level of "technical apartheid" that at times gives a really wretched feeling. Since a majority of the technical writers have no programming background or releavant domain knowledge, people find it very easy to dismiss them as irrelevant irritants. Ultimately, the conclusion that I can arrive at is that this is a ridiculous and thankless job. Do you agree? Raj __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
It can be if you let it, but so can any job. I have heard this same complaint from mechanical engineers working at mostly electronics companies, and from software engineers working at places where software is not the primary product. And imagine what life was like for auditors at mortgage companies during the housing loan bubble, or how it is now for auditors at companies with no-bid contracts with the US govt. Sometimes you can earn the respect of your coworkers. Sometimes you have to get the person who respected you enough to sign off on your position and your hiring to grab your coworkers by their collars and make them work with you whether they respect you or not. And sometimes you just have to go out and find yourself a new set of coworkers. Gene Kim-Eng - Original Message - From: "raj nair" At times, I wonder why technical writers are the least common denominators in a software company. For example, if I submit a document for review, people schedule it for the last few hours of a business day. This amply explains the 'importance' given to that task. Moreover, I have to work with arrogant developers, testers, SMEs, and managers, who don't care a damn about the information needs of technical writers. There is also an absurd level of "technical apartheid" that at times gives a really wretched feeling. Since a majority of the technical writers have no programming background or releavant domain knowledge, people find it very easy to dismiss them as irrelevant irritants. Ultimately, the conclusion that I can arrive at is that this is a ridiculous and thankless job. Do you agree? __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
Yes Raj, things can be frustrating when you are a technical writer, but things can be equally frustrating in many other jobs. Other people have already replied to you and pointed out that individuals often don't realise how much control they can have over their careers, and that applies to technical writers as much as to anyone else. But if you really think you are stuck in a "ridiculous and thankless job", then I would seriously suggest you find a different career where you may be happier. For example, I was a career-track civil servant in a Government department, and despite the job security and the pension prospects (and despite being nearly 40) I decided I was in a "ridiculous and thankless" rut, so I took steps to get out. In my case that meant taking classes and becoming a technical writer, and obviously your career path would be different. But I have enjoyed the last 15 years far more than I could have imagined, even though colleagues at the time thought I was mad to leave a Government job. Whatever you choose to do I sincerely wish you the very best of luck. David raj nair wrote: At times, I wonder why technical writers are the least common denominators in a software company. For example, if I submit a document for review, people schedule it for the last few hours of a business day. This amply explains the 'importance' given to that task. Moreover, I have to work with arrogant developers, testers, SMEs, and managers, who don't care a damn about the information needs of technical writers. There is also an absurd level of "technical apartheid" that at times gives a really wretched feeling. Since a majority of the technical writers have no programming background or releavant domain knowledge, people find it very easy to dismiss them as irrelevant irritants. Ultimately, the conclusion that I can arrive at is that this is a ridiculous and thankless job. Do you agree? Raj -- David Farbey da...@farbey.co.uk http://www.farbey.co.uk http://twitter.com/dfarb __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
There's no organization comparable to the AMA for tech writers because the two professions are totally dissimilar -- not only in people's subjective view of them, but also in their objective natures. > -Original Message- > From: Jack DeLand > Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 10:33 AM > To: raj nair > Cc: tcp@techcommpros.com > Subject: Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain? > > ... That said, I don't disagree with those that say this is a > profession with all its attendant rights and privileges and > point up all the good that we do for the corporation. I > think tech writing is still in the nebulous stage that > doctoring was in back in the mid19th/early 20th century - > it's struggling to be recognized as a true profession, but > not there yet. There is no organization comparable to the > AMA to take us all the way, and I say this as a senior member > of STC. It's been 56 years now... > This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you. __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
David Farbey wrote: " But if you really think you are stuck in a "ridiculous and thankless job", then I would seriously suggest you find a different career where you may be happier. For example, I was a career-track civil servant in a Government department, and despite the job security and the pension prospects (and despite being nearly 40) I decided I was in a "ridiculous and thankless" rut, so I took steps to get out. In my case that meant taking classes and becoming a technical writer, and obviously your career path would be different. But I have enjoyed the last 15 years far more than I could have imagined, even though colleagues at the time thought I was mad to leave a Government job." Are you mad for leaving a comfortable "government" job. I left a comfortable job in 1983moved to Alaska and had an incredible adventure. Now I am back at tech writing and enjoying the hell out of it. Al Geist Technical Communicator, Help, Web Design, Video, Photography Office/Msg: 802-872-9190 Cell: 802-578-3964 E-mail: al.ge...@geistassociates.com Website: www.geistassociates.com See Also: Fine Art Photography Website: www.geistarts.com "...I walked to work, quit my job, and kept walking. Better to be a pilgrim without a destination, I figured, than to cross the wrong threshold each day." (Sy Safransky) __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
I'm a little late to the party but... I firmly believe that you get what you pay for. And that goes for the career, too. If you walk around with a chip on your shoulder, people will respond that way. I *will* say that it's been years and years since I've worked in a company where what I do was not valued. I'm a very integral part of the teams that make up our software development group, and even outside the software group. Many of the other groups ask me for information, just as I do them. I rarely if ever feel as if I'm the least common denominator. In fact, more often, I know more of the overall picture than many others, since I'm a bit of a hub with QA, Dev, PM, FE, and so on. I also never feel as if the fact that I am not a programmer is a detriment. I'm a professional in my own chosen field, and I'm well respected within my organization. I would suggest that you work on gaining the respect of others, rather than pulling the "woe is me" thing. Finally, I consider what I do as a writer and online help author as a career. This is NOT just a job. This is something I love to do and just so happens to be something I'm good at. If you consider being a technical writer as just a job, maybe you are in the wrong career? (Sorry if this is blunt, but really, if you aren't getting the respect you need, maybe it's something that you need to change?) ...sue On Wed, Dec 23, 2009 at 10:27 PM, raj nair wrote: > > At times, I wonder why technical writers are the least common denominators > in a software company. For example, if I submit a document for review, > people schedule it for the last few hours of a business day. This amply > explains the 'importance' given to that task. Moreover, I have to work with > arrogant developers, testers, SMEs, and managers, who don't care a damn > about the information needs of technical writers. There is also an absurd > level of "technical apartheid" that at times gives a really wretched > feeling. Since a majority of the technical writers have no programming > background or releavant domain knowledge, people find it very easy to > dismiss them as irrelevant irritants. Ultimately, the conclusion that I can > arrive at is that this is a ridiculous and thankless job. Do you agree? > > > > Raj > > _ > Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. > http://windows.microsoft.com/shop > __ > 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 > __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
I have to agree with Sue Heim. Sometimes I feel a little dissatisfied at work but I feed my writing and other passions away from work. I believe I am good at technical writing, but it is not my entire life. I also enjoy editing my wife's manuscripts and I enjoy skydiving. If my whole life revolved around developing a help system... well, I would feel like I was short changing myself. I look at it this way. If it weren't for my career as a technical writer, I wouldn't be able to afford my other hobbies. Thanks! Ed Lightle Sr. Technical Writer Command Alkon, Inc. -- Message: 1 Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2010 16:56:08 -0800 From: Sue Heim To: raj nair Cc: tcp@techcommpros.com Subject: Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain? Message-ID: <7163c29d1001031656r49690649ta12f65365a34c...@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 I'm a little late to the party but... I firmly believe that you get what you pay for. And that goes for the career, too. If you walk around with a chip on your shoulder, people will respond that way. I *will* say that it's been years and years since I've worked in a company where what I do was not valued. I'm a very integral part of the teams that make up our software development group, and even outside the software group. Many of the other groups ask me for information, just as I do them. I rarely if ever feel as if I'm the least common denominator. In fact, more often, I know more of the overall picture than many others, since I'm a bit of a hub with QA, Dev, PM, FE, and so on. I also never feel as if the fact that I am not a programmer is a detriment. I'm a professional in my own chosen field, and I'm well respected within my organization. I would suggest that you work on gaining the respect of others, rather than pulling the "woe is me" thing. Finally, I consider what I do as a writer and online help author as a career. This is NOT just a job. This is something I love to do and just so happens to be something I'm good at. If you consider being a technical writer as just a job, maybe you are in the wrong career? (Sorry if this is blunt, but really, if you aren't getting the respect you need, maybe it's something that you need to change?) ...sue On Wed, Dec 23, 2009 at 10:27 PM, raj nair wrote: > > At times, I wonder why technical writers are the least common denominators > in a software company. For example, if I submit a document for review, > people schedule it for the last few hours of a business day. This amply > explains the 'importance' given to that task. Moreover, I have to work with > arrogant developers, testers, SMEs, and managers, who don't care a damn > about the information needs of technical writers. There is also an absurd > level of "technical apartheid" that at times gives a really wretched > feeling. Since a majority of the technical writers have no programming > background or releavant domain knowledge, people find it very easy to > dismiss them as irrelevant irritants. Ultimately, the conclusion that I can > arrive at is that this is a ridiculous and thankless job. Do you agree? > > > > Raj > > _ > Windows 7: Find the right PC for you. Learn more. > http://windows.microsoft.com/shop > __ > 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 > End of TCP Digest, Vol 40, Issue 1 ** __ 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.comht
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
> I look at it this way. If it weren't for my career as a technical > writer, I wouldn't be able to afford my other hobbies. Bingo! As I've said to many people in the past: work to live, don't live to work. -- Bill Swallow Twitter: @techcommdood Blog: http://techcommdood.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood Available for contract and full time opportunities. STC Ideas: http://stcideas.ning.com Join: http://stcideas.ning.com/?xgi=6X1vNGI __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
Not everyone wants to work to live. Lately I have been feeling that I owe it to myself to find a job that I love. After tech writing for 20 years, I often feel like I am going around in circles or worse. My last job was a major step backwards, and it has been hard to recover. You can do everything right, demand respect, be pleasant, make yourself invaluable etc etc and still have little control over your situation. I have a BS/CS and major work experience in several industries, and this holiday season I was asked to organize the cookie exchange...talk about ridiculous. > > > > I look at it this way. If it weren't for my career as a technical > > writer, I wouldn't be able to afford my other hobbies. > > Bingo! As I've said to many people in the past: work to live, don't > live to work. > _ Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/177141665/direct/01/ __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
It sounds as if that was asked of you as a fellow worker, not based on your specific job function. Most companies will ask various employees to help organize Secret Santas, Potluck Lunches, etc. and I don't see anything wrong with simply saying "I'd rather not". Were you not given a choice? What if you were a non-Christian and didn't celebrate the holidays? I have found such activities to be enjoyable (at times) and a way for me to get to know my fellow co-workers, but I recognize that some people find it very stressful to be placed in that situation. Suzette Leeming Stouffville, Ontario On Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 1:02 PM, Kat Kuvinka wrote: > > Not everyone wants to work to live. Lately I have been feeling that I owe > it to myself to find a job that I love. After tech writing for 20 years, I > often feel like I am going around in circles or worse. My last job was a > major step backwards, and it has been hard to recover. You can do everything > right, demand respect, be pleasant, make yourself invaluable etc etc and > still have little control over your situation. I have a BS/CS and major work > experience in several industries, and this holiday season I was asked to > organize the cookie exchange...talk about ridiculous. > > > > __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
> Not everyone wants to work to live. Well, ok, I'll grant you that. Sometimes work and life coexist peacefully, and if you're lucky both are one and the same (in a good way). And if you're even luckier, you can bypass work completely. ;) > Lately I have been feeling that I owe > it to myself to find a job that I love. I hear ya. > After tech writing for 20 years, I > often feel like I am going around in circles or worse. I'm at a point of needing to put my career in reverse just to get it to go forward again, myself. > My last job was a > major step backwards, and it has been hard to recover. You can do everything > right, demand respect, be pleasant, make yourself invaluable etc etc and > still have little control over your situation. I have a BS/CS and major work > experience in several industries, and this holiday season I was asked to > organize the cookie exchange...talk about ridiculous. Actually, that sounds like fun. Now, had you given them any indication that you like cookies, or baking, or being involved in morale-boosting event planning? Or did they just say "Who can we get to run this stupid cookie exchange thing? I know! The tech writer!!! Quick, fetch the cookie exchange shackles of dispair!" ;) -- Bill Swallow Twitter: @techcommdood Blog: http://techcommdood.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood Available for contract and full time opportunities. STC Ideas: http://stcideas.ning.com Join: http://stcideas.ning.com/?xgi=6X1vNGI __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
On Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 12:02 PM, Kat Kuvinka wrote: > > Not everyone wants to work to live. Lately I have been feeling that I owe it > to myself to find a job that I love. After tech writing for 20 years, I often > feel like I am going around in circles or worse. My last job was a major step > backwards, and it has been hard to recover. You can do everything right, > demand respect, be pleasant, make yourself invaluable etc etc and still have > little control over your situation. I have a BS/CS and major work experience > in several industries, and this holiday season I was asked to organize the > cookie exchange...talk about ridiculous. I'm sorry you're unhappy with your job. IMO, I would be upset if I were asked to type a memo for a manager, or do other secretarial work. The Cookie Exchange, though---that's a volunteer job that makes the season fun for your fellow coworkers. I do the cookie exchange at my company, along with the white elephant gift exchange game. I also volunteered to hang big glittery snowflakes in the lobby and help set up for the company holiday buffet/casino night. I consider that fun and a nice break from my regular job. I get to know my coworkers on another basis, not just who can answer questions about a specific subject. Nancy Kaminski who likes to do the silly stuff __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
> Were you not given a choice? What if > you were a non-Christian and didn't celebrate the holidays? Oh come on! Who doesn't celebrate cookies??? Except maybe celiac sufferers... Do they have their own religion yet? > I have found such activities to be enjoyable (at times) and a way for me to > get to know my fellow co-workers, but I recognize that some people find it > very stressful to be placed in that situation. Oh absolutely. And definitely if being told to do it in an asky kind of manner when you don't want to do it at all. But generally I love organizing events like this, especially if they involve more general facilitation (bring your cookies to this location at this time, have fun) and less major planning (reserve facilities, order catering, order entertainment, keep the interns off the booze cart, etc.). -- Bill Swallow Twitter: @techcommdood Blog: http://techcommdood.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood Available for contract and full time opportunities. STC Ideas: http://stcideas.ning.com Join: http://stcideas.ning.com/?xgi=6X1vNGI __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
> Oh absolutely. And definitely if being told to do it in an asky kind > of manner when you don't want to do it at all. But generally I love > organizing events like this, especially if they involve more general > facilitation (bring your cookies to this location at this time, have > fun) and less major planning (reserve facilities, order catering, > order entertainment, keep the interns off the booze cart, etc.). Sent too soon... All that said, I've organized poker tournaments at work, bowling outings, social breaks with snacks, pot luck lunches, seasonal off-site blowout parties, and even a 300-person internal conference complete with international travel and off-site dining and activities, door prizes, and live web uplinks for those who couldn't make it in person. It can be fun (even if exhausting) to be involved in event planning, no matter how important the event may be. -- Bill Swallow Twitter: @techcommdood Blog: http://techcommdood.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood Available for contract and full time opportunities. STC Ideas: http://stcideas.ning.com Join: http://stcideas.ning.com/?xgi=6X1vNGI __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
Suzette Leeming wrote: "What if you were a non-Christian and didn't celebrate the holidays?" Who says non-Christians don't celebrate holidays? One of my relatives, who goes to church on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays, hasn't celebrated Christmas in nearly 10 years and totally ignores most of the other holidays. I have a close friend who is about as non-Christian as you can get that thoroughly enjoys celebrating holidays, including Christian ones. With that said, I agree with Kat Kuvina that not everyone wants to work-to-live. Parties and other social gatherings are a great way to make you feel more than just a cog in the wheel. It sounds like you're getting a little burned out. We all go through that and I have been known to leave good jobs because of it. I left a good job as a Technical Writing Supervisor and moved to Alaska to get totally away from electronics, only to find that I truly enjoy technology. I just needed a break from it. I ended up selling computers for Sears. It was a GIANT step backward, but I also learned a lot about what goes into making a sale and about people. It was an experience that has helped me in every position since. As for organizing a cookie exchange, why not do it. It just might be fun. Al Geist Technical Communicator, Help, Web Design, Video, Photography Office/Msg: 802-872-9190 Cell: 802-578-3964 E-mail: al.ge...@geistassociates.com Website: www.geistassociates.com See Also: Fine Art Photography Website: www.geistarts.com "...I walked to work, quit my job, and kept walking. Better to be a pilgrim without a destination, I figured, than to cross the wrong threshold each day." (Sy Safransky) __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
Well, I introduced my company to the wonders of mandelbrot at Hanukah. Their response: "Yummy!" Jack DeLand :: information design & implementation On 1/4/2010 5:36 PM, Al Geist wrote: Suzette Leeming wrote: "What if you were a non-Christian and didn't celebrate the holidays?" __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
On Monday, January 04, 2010, Jack DeLand wrote: > Well, I introduced my company to the wonders of mandelbrot at Hanukah. > Their response: "Yummy!" You guys are either really nerdy or cannibals ;) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandelbrot_set Perhaps there's another definition? :) 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
Otherwise known as the Jewish biscotti. See http://www.cookies-in-motion.com/Mandelbrot-Cookies.html. (I grew up on mandelbrot cookies... before I ever learned what a biscotti was!) ...sue On Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 4:14 PM, Dana Worley wrote: > On Monday, January 04, 2010, Jack DeLand wrote: > > > Well, I introduced my company to the wonders of mandelbrot at Hanukah. > > Their response: "Yummy!" > > > You guys are either really nerdy or cannibals ;) > > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandelbrot_set > > Perhaps there's another definition? > > :) 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 > __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
On Monday, January 04, 2010, Sue Heim wrote: > Otherwise known as the Jewish biscotti. See > http://www.cookies-in-motion.com/Mandelbrot- Cookies.html. I found that eventually, too, but I like the first definition better :) 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
On Mon, Jan 4, 2010 at 5:59 PM, Jack DeLand wrote: > Well, I introduced my company to the wonders of mandelbrot at Hanukah. > Their response: "Yummy!" Which is the response in my company when Ashraf brings in baklava and other goodies to celebrate the end of Ramadan. His wife can bake! Nancy Kaminski __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
I was feeling pretty burned out myself and starting to wonder if this is really what I want to be when I grow up. I just took off a blissful two weeks over the holidays for the first time in 6-1/2 years. That helped tremendously! What I needed was down time, not a change in careers. I still love my job, and I'm still good at it (I think!). I need to remind myself to get out of this computer chair more often in the evenings and on weekends. Otherwise, my office area starts feeling like a prison cell. My job as a technical writer provides me with a good living. It's time to start living! - CONFIDENTIAL- This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential, and may also be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not review, use, copy, or distribute this message. If you receive this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply email and then delete this email. __ 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
Re: [TCP] Is technical writing worth the hype and pain?
I took my first real vacation in five years this year (I went to Maui with a friend). Totally needed that vacation, but work was still hectic when I got back. Then I took off 10 days during the holidays, and I'm actually feeling a bit more rejuvenated. Work is still going to be crazy busy, but I'd rather be busy than the alternative! I know I work long hours, but I do get recognized for it. I take the time off when I feel like I'm getting burned out (I'll drop my hours to 9 a day for a week just to chill a bit). But I love what I do, love the company for whom I work and the people with whom I work, and feel validated and respected every day that I am at work. While work doesn't completely define who I am, it is an important part of me. If I didn't like what I was doing I sure as heck wouldn't have spent 20 years in this career, nor would I be in the position I'm in. I'm sure my attitude goes a long way... it's not just the cookies I occasionally bring in that make people glad to see me visit the office!! :) ...sue On Tue, Jan 5, 2010 at 8:07 AM, Jones, Donna wrote: > I was feeling pretty burned out myself and starting to wonder if this is > really what I want to be when I grow up. I just took off a blissful two > weeks over the holidays for the first time in 6-1/2 years. That helped > tremendously! What I needed was down time, not a change in careers. I still > love my job, and I'm still good at it (I think!). > > I need to remind myself to get out of this computer chair more often in the > evenings and on weekends. Otherwise, my office area starts feeling like a > prison cell. My job as a technical writer provides me with a good living. > It's time to start living! > > - CONFIDENTIAL- > > This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential, and may also > be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not > review, use, copy, or distribute this message. If you receive this email in > error, please notify the sender immediately by reply email and then delete > this email. > > __ > 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 > __ 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
