Re: Showing sample and proprietary content

[Joe Malin <jmalin -at- jmalin -dot- com>]

Public domain? That means that no copyright exists. If the documents are
publicly available with the company's copyright on them, I think it's
"reasonable use" to distribute parts of them as writing samples. I never
send out an entire book or helpset, for which I think most prospective
employers are *thankful*.

I was a software engineer once. I *never* had to offer an example of my
programs (though I was prepared to). I am not sure what the purpose of
writing samples is! How's that for shouting "fire" in a crowded theater?

Seriously, for anyone who has previous tech writing experience, what
problem do samples address? In engineering, a manager can give you a
technical interview and quickly determine if you have the skill to do
the work. Can't a writing manager do the same thing?

Joe

Sean Wheller wrote:
> On Friday 20 October 2006 18:56, Keith Hood wrote:
>   
>> Any advice
>> on what to do?
>>     
>
>
> After 15-years I have many such non-disclosure agreements limiting how I can 
> use materials in my posession. Here's how I handle it.
>
> 1. If, for a given work, I have signed a non-disclosure. I determine for what 
> period. In some cases I find that the non-disclosure period has lapsed. In 
> this can you can use said work as an example of your work.
>
> 2. I check to see if said content is not already in public domain. If it is 
> then you may present the work as a sample of your work.
>
> 3. I request permission, in writing, to display said content in tangible 
> format such as print, under my supervision.
>
> 4. If 3 is not possible, I request that the recipient will, with the 
> originators consent, agree to enter into non-disclosure back-on-back, with 
> the original non-disclosure.
>
> Sometimes with 4, people get funny. A reminder that by not displaying works 
> still under non-disclosure is an indication of your integrity and 
> trustworthiness, may be in order. Seen in this light, people often waiver the 
> need for examples or conceed to enter into agreement with the third party.
>
> Hope this helps.
>  
>   
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