RE: what separates a senior tech writer from a regular tech writer?

["Paul Kretschmer" <Paul -dot- Kretschmer -at- YARDI -dot- com>]

Here's the situation:

I asked to be promoted to "senior" tech writer.  (At other companies, I
have held that title.)

My immediate boss said OK, you come up with the definitions, we'll see
if we can promote you. 

For me, the most important criteria is being able to work independently
- to come up with solutions to problems that face our dept. (in addition
to following our standard procedures for producing documentation).  

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far!  I'm gathering material.   

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+paul -dot- kretschmer=yardi -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+paul -dot- kretschmer=yardi -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]
On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 9:00 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: what separates a senior tech writer from a regular tech
writer?

Am I the only one here who heard alarm bells?

Currently, Paul's a member of an undifferentiated team of (mostly)
experienced professionals. Someone wants to stratify them into a
hierarchy, but that person doesn't know the difference between a senior
and a junior team member.

First, tell us why someone wants to create the hierarchy. What problem
is this intended to solve, or what new opportunity is it intended to
create?

There are many different, correct ways to define senior and junior tech
writers within a company. Your answer will help us determine which
definitions might work best for you.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Paul Kretschmer
> Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 11:20 AM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: what separates a senior tech writer from a regular 
> tech writer?
> 
> I've been asked to come up with a set of criteria for 
> senior tech writers and regular (junior) tech writers at 
> my workplace.  (Currently we are all just tech writers -- 
> there are no "seniors" among us, even though most of us 
> have been doing this for years and years.)
> 
> In your opinion, what are the important differences 
> between a senior and regular tech writer?  If you have 
> any ideas, please pass them along.  
> 

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