TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Beleaguered techwhirler Kat's problem:
<snip> I have a new assignment: "Do a context-sensitive HTMLHelp system for
Product X [an automated medical device used in hospital operating rooms].
The 400-page user manual needs to be in HTML, too. We need a working
prototype of both, complete enough to satisfy the FDA, for the next product
build on Thursday afternoon." </snip>
Much good advice has already been posted. It seems that your best approach
is to help whoever assigned this Herculean task to understand the
magnititude of what they have asked, probably by roughly estimating the
workhours required to do the job properly. Then throw together another
estimate (all you have time for) that would provide barebones prototypes
(and which will likely still end some time after Thursday). And as Jeanne
suggested, don't just complain; instead, offer what _can_ be done by
Thursday afternoon. (I can have xyz ready for us to demo to the FDA). FDA
undoubtedly doesn't want useless help and a manual that is unreadable.
People's lives could be at stake here!
Simply throwing more bodies/consultants at the task isn't always the answer.
In this context, I'm reminded of a favorite saying of a developer I used to
work with (provenance unknown)... "Nine women pregnant for one month cannot
deliver a full-term baby."
Best of luck with this, Kat. When you come up for air, let us know what
happened!
Sonia Bayne
sonia -dot- bayne -at- cigna -dot- com
In this world, it rains on the Just and on the Unjust...but the Unjust have
the Just's umbrella.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the sender by e-mail at the address shown. This e-mail transmission may contain confidential information. This information is intended only for the use of the individual(s) or entity of whom it is intended even if addressed incorrectly. Please delete from your files if you are not the intended recipient. Thank you for your compliance.
