RE: Guess what: we suck!

["Al Geist" <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>]

Geoff Hart wrote:

"Milan Davidovic noted: <<Well, someone thinks we suck. Or that some  
of us suck. Scroll down to item #10 here for details: http:// 
monicapdx.livejournal.com/46224.html>>

I'm probably going to get flamed for this, but it's undoubtedly worth  
mentioning that sales of "For Dummies" books and O'Brien's series of  
books (including the "Missing Manuals" series) are in the high  
millions. Clearly, this poster isn't alone in thinking that as a  
profession, we're doing something wrong. I don't doubt that some of  
us do top-notch work, but clearly that can't be said of the  
profession as a whole."


I'll probably get flamed for saying that I have several "For Dummies" and
one "Missing Manuals" book on my shelves. (Although I've been plucking
strings for over 30 years, I actually learned how to pick bluegrass,
something that had always evaded me, with my "Guitar for Dummies" book.) I
agree with Geoff that some of us take extreme care to create something of
value and are lucky to be involved with organizations that allow us to use
our skills. Unfortunately, a far greater number just work for a paycheck or
work for companies that place any form of technical writing somewhere
between cow manure and pig swill. Even more unfortunately, it's the
technical writer who gets blamed for the garbage and not the company's
management.

Al Geist
Technical Writing, Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design and Award Winning
Videos
Voice/Msg: 802-872-9190
Cell: 802-578-3964
E-mail: al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com
URL: http://www.geistassociates.com (Online portfolio and resume)
See also:
URL: http://www.geistimages.com (Fine art photographic prints for home or
office and beautiful note cards for all occasions.)



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