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.
I've been busy finishing a contract and preparing to move out of Alaska,
so pardon me while I catch up.
On the subject of being nosy--If it's a communal printer and I happen to
see something pertaining to my current task laying in the tray, then I
always give it a quick glance. However, I don't dumpster dive for data.
I don't have too...my cubicle is between the SMEs on one side and the
Section Chief on the other. I learned about a new release of the
application I'm documenting from an impromptu meeting between two SMEs.
I also learned that the budget for contractors was slashed with some
contracting positions (including the lone writer) being either shifted
from full time to part time, or eliminated. Since I had a hunch this
was going to happen, (the budget deficits are tricking down and I work
for a government agency) I had already prepared a proposal to do most of
the writing from my home office. Overhearing that conversation helped me
tune the proposal and deliver it before any personnel adjustment
announcements were made.
Environment--My first writing job (in Benicia, CA) had me positioned
between HR and the software engineering group. I learned early how to
tune things out. That ability was further enhanced when I worked as a
freelance business reporter/magazine editor in Fairbanks, Alaska while
raising two kids as a single parent. I can write with a marching band
practicing outside my cubicle and I often bang the keys while listening
to good old rock and roll. I have also edited technical material and
written magazine articles while camping in the middle of the Interior
wilderness. (My motto is never miss a deadline, but that doesn't mean
you can't enjoy life.) I tend to agree with Karen Zorn that the biggest
problem I have concentrating is not from the noise, but from the aroma
of the Orville Redenbacker Kettle Korn that floats through the cubicles
every afternoon around 4 p.m. Good thing nobody is around to help me eat it.
--
Al Geist, Geist Associates
From Concept to Completion
Technical Writing, Publishing, Video, Web Design, Graphic Arts
Voice 907-317-3194 Fax 907-622-2321
www.geistassociates.com al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com
<mailto:al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>
"When the situation is absolutely hopeless, you have nothing to worry
about."
Compliments of The Monkey
Wrench Gang
ROBOHELP X4 - THE INDUSTRY STANDARD IN HELP AUTHORING
Buy RoboHelp by July 31st and receive a $100 mail-in rebate!
Find out more about RoboHelp X4: http://www.ehelp.com/techwr-l
Mercer University's online MS Program in Technical Communication Management:
Preparing leaders of tomorrow's technical communication organizations today.
See www.mercer.edu/mstco or write George Hayhoe at hayhoe_g -at- mercer -dot- edu -dot-
---
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.
