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Subject:Re: First Technical Writer From:Chris Morton <salt -dot- morton -at- gmail -dot- com> To:techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:28:39 -0800
Agreed on all points. > Chris
On Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 1:21 PM, Mike Starr <mike -at- writestarr -dot- com> wrote:
> Ah, I somehow missed that distinction when you said "My suggestion is to
> *start by* creating a company-specific style guide..." (emphasis mine).
>
> However, even in the situation you described at your own company, I'd much
> rather agitate to get myself inserted into the review chain for those
> client-facing documents because I care enough about these sorts of things to
> want a hand in making sure they represent the company properly.
>
> Do I think corporate style guides are a waste of time? Not at all...
> they're a great thing to have. But in the hands of those who aren't
> professional writers, they're not nearly as useful as having a skilled
> professional review and edit those client-facing documents.
>
> Mike
> --
> Mike Starr WriteStarr Information Services
> Technical Writer - Online Help Developer - Technical Illustrator
> Graphic Designer - Desktop Publisher - MS Office Expert
> (262) 694-1028 - mike -at- writestarr -dot- com - http://www.writestarr.com
>
> Chris Morton wrote:
> > You missed my point, Mike. At the company where I work, I am the only
> > techwriter and the only one who knows the king's English. Yet there are
> all
> > sorts of folks who are preparing PowerPoint presentations, referential
> > documentation and other pieces that are client-facing. Since they do not
> > take advantage of me as a clearing house, THEY need a style guide!
> >
> > And I'm not proposing that Melissa compile this immediately as **priority
> > one**, but rather that it be something she can compile over the next many
> > months and present to interested parties at "the right time." She'll know
> > when that is.
> >
> > Peace out,
> >
> >> CDhris
> >
> > On Thu, Mar 11, 2010 at 12:10 PM, Mike Starr <mike -at- writestarr -dot- com>
> wrote:
> >
> >> I have to disagree with devoting time to immediately creating a
> >> company-specific style guide. As the *only* technical writer, Melissa
> *is*
> >> the style guide. What she needs to do is hit the ground running and show
> >> them immediate real productivity. It's not in the company's immediate
> best
> >> interests to create a style guide for a department of one.
> >> --
> >> Mike Starr WriteStarr Information Services
> >> Technical Writer - Online Help Developer - Technical Illustrator
> >> Graphic Designer - Desktop Publisher - MS Office Expert
> >> (262) 694-1028 - mike -at- writestarr -dot- com - http://www.writestarr.com
> >>
> >> Chris Morton wrote:
> >>> Congrats, Melissa.
> >>>
> >>> My suggestion is to start by creating a company-specific style guide
> that
> >>> addresses common errors you see in the current documentation (and any
> >> stuff
> >>> that is client-facing, e.g., marketing pieces). This (friendly) guide
> >> could
> >>> eventually be distributed on a wide scale when the timing and perceived
> >>> reception are right (no one wants something shoved down their throat
> from
> >>> the "know-it-all new kid"). The guidee might also incorporate usage of
> >>> company collateral such as its logo, etc.
> >>>
> >>> Another way in which you could make an immediate mark is to create a
> >>> corporate PowerPoint template for all to use. The Techwr-l archives
> also
> >>> contain PPT presentation tips you could adopt and pass along to those
> who
> >>> might make use of such info. If you can't find these and would like a
> >> copy,
> >>> send me a private e-mail and I'll forward a copy.
> >>>
> >>> Best of luck!
> >>>
> >>>> Chris
> >> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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>http://www.modernanalyst.com/>
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> > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> >
> > Use Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word, or HTML and
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> >
> > Explore CAREER options and paths related to Technical Writing,
> > learn to create SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS documents, and
> > get tips on FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION best practices. Free at:
> > http://www.ModernAnalyst.com <http://www.modernanalyst.com/>
> >
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> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Use Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word, or HTML and
> produce desktop, Web, or print deliverables. Just write (or import)
> and Doc-To-Help does the rest. Free trial: http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> Explore CAREER options and paths related to Technical Writing,
> learn to create SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS documents, and
> get tips on FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION best practices. Free at:
>http://www.ModernAnalyst.com <http://www.modernanalyst.com/>
>
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>
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Use Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word, or HTML and
produce desktop, Web, or print deliverables. Just write (or import)
and Doc-To-Help does the rest. Free trial: http://www.doctohelp.com
Explore CAREER options and paths related to Technical Writing,
learn to create SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS documents, and
get tips on FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION best practices. Free at: http://www.ModernAnalyst.com
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