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>> "...These have been the most horrible four days
>> of my professional life on account of your list
>> and its members making me feel like the biggest
>> loser..."
and then wrote:
>Kind of scary that people you have never even met can affect your
>self-esteem and professional life to such an extent.
Agreed. Folks, it's just a list. And some people tend to get a bit brash
in their posts, protected by thousands of miles and (in some cases)
anonymity. It makes the Internet a great platform for bullies. So don't
take it to heart. I've been absolutely crucified on this list several
times, once as a newbie, and it was never fatal, but ALWAYS educational.
A word about context. If I remember the threads in which Amber was
involved, they were never the inane queries that a quick pass through the
archives would solve. This was not a typical "check the archives, rookie"
spanking that she endured. I think she triggered a few land mines with her
earnest but chatty tone, and a couple key phrases that hinted at a certain
bimbo quality. But she also posted clarifications that (for me at least)
dispelled that first impression. I also get the impression that she took a
beating offlist. That's no fun, I can also tell you from experience.
Bullies get even MORE ballsy when the rest of the group can't see their
messages.
I thought she was going to turn into a valuable, colorful member of this
list, and I still hope she will. I am much more annoyed by posts that
essentially read, "I just got hired to doc an XXX application. Please send
templates for such documentation, and tell me where to start, what to do
next, and all possible aspects of this project that I may encounter."
Those posts, sent by clueless people who got hired to do what plenty of
our out-of-work members CAN do, always get my teeth grinding. I don't mind
helping people, but I resent teaching people how to do jobs that their
posts show they A) are not remotely qualified for, and B) have not put any
thought into. That's a real pet peeve of mine.
Anyway, I'm sorry Amber had this experience, but it does sound like she's
taking it WAY too hard. But I guess we were about due for another dramatic
farewell post - it's been a while.
Keith Cronin
__________________
INSTANT REPLIES - pick one as needed, and read no further:
- Did you search the archives?
- Say it with me: Google is my friend.
- Pick a font, and move on.
- The tool that is best for the company's needs is the right tool. It may
not be your favorite. If it's not, go home after work and write something
else using your favorite tool.
- Pick a style, and move on.
- There is one right way - and only one right way - to do tech writing.
But it's a secret.
- Yes, you are a "real" tech writer. I'll send you a badge if you want.
- Did you search the archives?
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