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Subject:Re: A brief intro and a few newbie questions From:Goober Writer <gooberwriter -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 28 Oct 2003 06:25:01 -0800 (PST)
> I really enjoy the documentation aspect of my job
> and want to pursue a
> career in tech writing rather than systems
> administration. I would like to
> eventually work on projects for open source and/or
> consumer software,
> especially games and other entertainment related
> items.
Not much money in open source documentation. People
work on open source stuff because they enjoy what they
do and believe in a open community approach to
software development. You can do it if you enjoy it,
but don't expect much or any return for your time and
effort other than satisfaction. (Yes, I collaborate on
open source projects.) Check out sourceforge.net if
you're interested in helping out! There are 15 docs
needs at the moment: http://sourceforge.net/people/?category_id=4
I hope that isn't construed as an ad, as this is all
open free collaborative stuff...
> Landing an entry-level position early next year is
> my goal. What types of
> skills should I work on to help me get a good
> entry-level position?
Interviewing, resume writing, and contact-building
skills.
> Can I
> use the documentation I have created in the past as
> part of my portfolio?
If you get an OK from your employers... Others contend
you don't need to, but I prefer the ethical route.
Sure, you did the work, but were paid to do so. Your
work is property of your employer, not you.
> I?ve read a lot about RoboHelp and FrameMaker, but
> do not have access to
> these programs. Do companies expect entry-level
> writers to be familiar with these applications?
Not the intelligent employers.
=====
Goober Writer
(because life is too short to be inept)
"As soon as you hear the phrase "studies show",
immediately put a hand on your wallet and cover your groin."
-- Geoff Hart
RoboHelp for FrameMaker is a NEW online publishing tool for FrameMaker that
lets you easily single-source content to online Help, intranet, and Web.
The interface is designed for FrameMaker users, so there is little or no
learning curve and no macro language required! Call 800-718-4407 for
competitive pricing or download a trial at: http://www.ehelp.com/techwr-l4
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