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.
Subject:RE: TW jobs-how to choose From:"Le Vie, DonaldX S" <donaldx -dot- s -dot- le -dot- vie -at- intel -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Fri, 15 Dec 2000 12:02:21 -0800
While the potential to work on a variety of projects (and even set the tech
pubs standards or work on executive level projects) is enticing, I would
recommend the team approach for a new writer. I think the other option would
put you in over your head, especially with a company that operates on
Internet time and given the squirrelly nature of startups (been there, done
that, won't go back).
The attractions of options these days is not as great as it was just 2 or 3
years ago. Venture capitalists want to see startups in the black in 3 years
of less (versus 5 years just a few years back). Options are just paper that
are worthless until you exercise them, and even then, the chances of
striking it rich are not as great as they once were.
Startups are rife with no money for tools (I had to wait 9 months for my doc
teams to get Frame and RoboHelp), travel, training, etc. Your frustration
tolerance level can drop to new levels very quickly in a startup
environment.
For anyone else considering working for a startup, one of the most important
questions to ask during interviews is how well funded the startup is. Get a
number and find out what's expected for any second round financing. If the
company is looking for third-round financing, forget it...that's the next
step prior to locking the doors. Find out as much up front as possible
(especially about $$ for tools, training, plans for additional tech writing
reqs, etc.).
Donn Le Vie
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Develop HTML-based Help with Macromedia Dreamweaver! (STC Discount.)
**NEW DATE/LOCATION!** January 16-17, 2001, New York, NY. http://www.weisner.com/training/dreamweaver_help.htm or 800-646-9989.
Take XML and Tech Writing courses online! Our instructor-led courses
(4-6 hrs/wk) give you "hands on" experience at your convenience. STC members
get 20% off! http://www.online-learning.com/index.html.
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
