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I would nevertheless be interested in Doris' views on certification. For
example, if her certification is in translation (as Lauren suggested),
does that cross-pollinate her credibility as a tech writer--in Germany?
Is there such a thing as a technical writing certification in Germany?
If so, how material is it to employment, and does it help or hinder the
profession. If not, is there a need for certification and/or would it be
welcomed by the profession and industry?
What she shares will be of interest and doesn't need to launch another
debate about certification.
Leonard
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- c
om] On Behalf Of Donald H. White
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 10:21 AM
To: poshedly -at- bellsouth -dot- net; 'Doris Werder'; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Introduction
Ken,
It doesn't seem to me that Doris staked out a position regarding
"certification;" it's part of her title as a translator. Her title in
the
Federal Republic of Germany. She wrote nothing in her introduction that
remotely touched upon the often absurdly contentious "debate" amongst
technical writers/editors/communicators and those who fulminate
constantly
against the evils of professionalization and fluoride within the US
technical communication community.
Willkommen heissen, Doris!
Donald H. White
James River Technical Communications LLC
www.jrtcllc.com
-----Original Message-----
From: poshedly -at- bellsouth -dot- net [mailto:poshedly -at- bellsouth -dot- net]
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 11:31 AM
To: Doris Werder; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Re: Introduction
Hello Doris,
Welcome to the list!
Right off the top, I can think of one topic to which you might be able
to
contribute very quickly: "certification".
Here in the U.S., many on this list have discussed / argued (sometimes
vehemently) what "certification" is, what it means, whether it carries
any
"clout" (importance) with potential employers, who actually provides the
certification, what one must do in order to become certified, what
privileges / liabilities accompany certification, and so on, and so on.
I guess it pretty much boils down to this:
Those who already have a solid background gained from previous and
current
employment are not concerned with certification and downplay its
importance.
Those who are either starting out or are only mid-way into their careers
as
technical writers want / need any "hook" they can use to get / hold onto
a
job. And now wth the worldwide economy pretty much in the tank -- no
matter
what the government here tells us -- it seems pretty aparent that we
tech
writers are / will be cut from our jobs more and more, thus making
"certification" possibly much more attractive.
Please educate us, oh wise one.
-- Ken in Atlanta
(where the economy sucks just as much as where anyone else is)
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