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Subject:Re: solo writer--how do you keep up, etc? From:Laura Lemay <lemay -at- lne -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 9 Jul 2003 11:06:39 -0700
> Those of you in smaller shops, or lone writers, how do
> you keep current with the tech writing industry?
I'm a contractor, does tha count? I have to keep up. Its
imperative to getting jobs.
I keep current with the tech writing industry by working.
Not to be flip, but I don't really find it worth my time
to actively explore specific issues or tools in tech writing.
If I need it for a job, I'll learn about it on the job.
I'm usually hired because I know a technology. I keep current on
technology by reading a lot. I read a lot of blogs and news sites
every day (RSS has made my life SO much better). I buy a lot of
computer books and try to read one at least once a week (I also learn
a lot about tech writing style this way. People write really
differently. its interesting. OK, I think its interesting). I try
to spend at least one weekend a month in front of the computer
actually implementing something I've read about, although I'm really
behind on that. (its summertime. its hard)
Also as a contractor I've found I have to spend money to make money.
I buy a lot of computer equipment and a lot of software and make sure
I'm current on it all. I'm also kind of a gadget freak and spend way
too much money on tech toys, although wierdly enough I'm finding that
"embedded systems" is the new hot thing so being a gadget freak has
been paying off. :)
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