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> No. I believe the best road to take is one that develops slowly,
prudently, and realistically out of experience. That will involve the use
of some ad hoc control, some well defined processes, and a the willingness
to change. It usually boils down to people who have open minds,
established skills, and good sense of humor. It also means remaining
steadfast and true to the purpose and goals of a documentation department
- produce quality documentation.
Damn. For a running dog, capitalist-lackey with quaint ideas about
unions :-), Andrew makes good sense. I really do think he's being
realistic about how writing is done. After all, if proper process were
the only thing needed to produce quality documentation, anybody could be
a good tech-writer.
My own way of expressing what Andrew says is that strategy has a place,
but tactics are always important. Processes can define general goals and
some of the ways that should help you get there, but the specifics
depend on the task and whatever's being documented. Since very few
documentation jobs are identical and the writers often don't know the
specifics in advance, processes always have to be flexible.
That said, I have to admit that I am often a lone writer, and have never
worked with more than two other writers. I don't know the details of
Andrew's background, but my impression is that his background is much
the same as mine. So, I can't help wondering if I'd emphasize process
more if I were trying to coordinate a larger group of writers.
--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com
"And still they stand triumphant and immense,
The silent lines of marble monuments,
And soon the writhing seas will cease to writhe,
The specks of gray ash float to rest, and there will be
Perfect peace...complete calm...the maximum of - Order."
- Leon Rosselson, "The World Police"
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