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> It just goes to show you though, of what people really think of tech
> writers. And I think my boss's protoge actually thinks she can do, in word,
> what I do in Quark. She questioned my tools once, and I fired back to her
> saying "I'd like to see you create a 400 page manual in word, with
> graphics, tables etc.". Never heard another word from her.
Tools don't make you an accomplished writer. Anybody can learn Quark, Word, or
any other tool out there.
You're boss probably can do the same thing in Word. Might not look as good or
be as fancy, but if the subject matter is communicated properly, then it would
be successful.
Also, that kind of insolence "I'd like to see you do this" is exactly why a lot
of managers don't like tech writers. Its not true, for one, and it attempts to
"redirect" people's thinking about tech writers.
The measure of a good writer is how well they can capture information and
communicate it effectively. Tools assist in that process, but tools are a small
factor. Knowledge of the subject matter has an overwhelmingly more significant
impact on the quality of the material than any tool ever cool.
Furthermore, you're boss absolutely can do what you do. It might not be as
high-quality, but they can do it. As such, you might want to pull back on the
attitude, as the next thing your boss does say to you is "we're letting you
go."
Andrew Plato
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