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Subject:Re: new kid on the block (long) From:cchris -at- toptechwriter -dot- us To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Thu, 10 Mar 2005 08:46:09 -0700
Hey J,
You don't say what your prior writing experience was--would you describe
yourself as a junior-level writer? If so, it's appropriate for the
previous writer to peer-review your work until you have demonstrated
competence.
Cheer up! You are in an ideal position to improve the docs at your
company. When people say "nobody reads the manuals anyway" about the
previous writer's work, you *can't* do worse. So do some research and find
out what customers don't like about the current docs. Do your tech
suppport people have suggestions as to improvements? Google for other
companies that make similar products and compare their docs to your
company's, if theirs are better, figure out what you need to fix. Finally.
if your company builds hardware, learn to illustrate as nothing impresses
a customer more--or improves the look of a manual quicker--than good
illustrations.
Of course the way you peform your job will reflect on the previous writer,
but that's how it is in any job, so don't fret about it. Instead, work at
making giant improvements in the quality of the manuals, thereby gaining
respect that elevates your work so much beyond what the previous writer
did that he can shrug and call you a "prodigy" and say he taught you
everything you know ;)
Good luck,
Chris
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TopTechWriter.US http://www.toptechwriter.us
Award-winning technical writing and illustration services.
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