Well, I don't know about "resident expert" or "guru." Generally, I self-identify as an opinionated SOB who just might hold the record for resigning from more tech pubs manager positions than anyone else who's likely to reply to your question (four so far).
Barry mentioned Peter Hartman's book, which is very good. A lot of the material he covered was nuts-and-bolts stuff, such as defining and planning specific types of documents, and I have to say that for me none of that has ever been directly usable without a lot situation-specific rewriting of the rules. But I do recommend his advice on the actual management of people and projects. Fortunately, the high points can be read for free here: http://www.stc.org/confproceed/2001/PDFs/STC48-000109.PDF My own personal additions to this would be: 1. You make yourself look good in your job by giving people who report to you assignments, guidance and support that make them look good in theirs. 2. If it becomes necessary for your people to go into combat, you should be at the front leading the charge, not at the rear sending people out to die for you. 3. When evaluating the success and failure of projects and people, the goal is always improvement, not blame or punishment. The only "dumb mistake" is one that is being repeated. Especially by you. Gene Kim-Eng ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Barrow" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > So, Gene, since you are the resident expert, what are your pointers > for > starting a tech pubs group? The obvious, I suppose, would be detailed > doc > plans, meetings, delegation, etc., but you is the guru :^) ______________________________________________ Are you a Help Authoring Trainer or Consultant? Let clients find you at www.HAT.Matrix.com, the searchable HAT database based on Char James-Tanny's HAT Comparison Matrix. Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] for details. Interested in Interactive 3D Documentation? Get the scoop at http://www.doc-u-motion.com -- your 3D documentation community. _______________________________________________ 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