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> Since this topic has come up, I would like to ask a question that I
> have often thought about. If it becomes obvious (as Dick implied that
> it might) that the review is just not going to take place, is it
> reasonable ... ok, "reasonable" is not the right word...is it feasible
> to have something in writing (a form or even an email) that states that
> no review was or will be done on the doc? For example, is it a good,
> bad, or completely insane idea to send an email either informing or
> confirming with everyone in the loop before publishing that no review
> has been done?
I think that it may be a good idea if you're not lucky enough to work in a
place where people will later believe you when you say "but really, I did
send it out, and didn't get a single response back."
An informal email to all reviewers and the project manager, along these
lines, might work well: "The XYZ manual was sent out a week ago for review.
As of today, we've only got two days until ship. If I don't get any comments
back by 4pm today, it'll have to go out without being reviewed. Let me know
ASAP if this isn't ok." Then keep it in your Sent folder, just in case.
Actually, even if you do work in a place that believes you about this sort
of thing, this approach might help you get a few reviews when you otherwise
wouldn't. Some people are more willing to do reviews when they realize that
it won't be done at all otherwise.
Sarah
...who prefers the "cookie bribe" approach on hard-to-get reviews
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