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Re: How to deal with incorrect editing

Subject: Re: How to deal with incorrect editing
From: Peter <pnewman1 -at- optonline -dot- net>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2003 07:21:56 -0500


Rachael Lininger wrote:

I have just started a new job as the technical writer for the security department of a bank. I've done tech writing before, but as a contractor in a team; now I'm a lone writer.

The first piece of writing I gave to my manager was changed to be ungrammatical. I tried to point this out, but was afraid to push very hard. I've since checked my references to make sure I'm right, and I am. My version also sounds fine, according to some writing-savvy friends -- it isn't a case of really awkward "correctness," and the changes are distractingly wrong. While there are no points of grammar that are actually worth my job, if anyone has advice on how to handle this, I'd appreciate hearing it.

Thanks much,
Rachael Lininger


There are several applicable rules:
Rule 1. The boss is never wrong except when rule 2 applies.
Rule 2. See Rule 1.

Seriously, there may be some business reasons for the changes or technical terms that he/she wants to include. Perhaps if you feel strongly you should let it sit for a day and very casually discuss the changes, non-confrontationally. Prior to the meeting, read the changes for substance and re-word them. At the meeting thank your boss for the corrections and give appropriate assurances in accordance with rule 1 above, and with a grin, ask if our idiot customers might understand your language better.


--
Peter

Sisyphus had it easy


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References:
How to deal with incorrect editing: From: Rachael Lininger

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