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> Thank you for that response Kevin. Almost every help authoring tool I've
> seen functions differently (sometimes requiring a different mindset), and
> the answer when changing tools shouldn't be to "displace" the writers you
> previously had and replace them with techwriters who have experience on the
> new tool.
I can't recall anyone advocating that in this thread. I would file
that advice under "Duh", meaning anyone thinking that new tools = new
staff needs a new brain. ;-)
> I currently use Help and Manual. If I switch to Flare or Doc to Help or AIT,
> I'm going to need some time to learn the nuances of the new software. Does
> the fact that I will not be up and running in a few hours with a new tool
> mean that I am a crappy techwriter? Should I recommend that my company
> dispose of me and hire someone who has experience with the new tool
> (although I will guarantee that it will take someone months to fully
> understand our very complex financial software suite)?
As I feared, we've gone off topic. Advocating that companies hire
experienced writers and/or have them employed as a part of smart
business has nothing to do with advocating turnover based on changing
a tool set.
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