TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Sounds to me as if you'd be better off with a full time documentation
manager to manage contract technical writers.
===========
At 3:09 PM 3/3/95 -0600, Sherri Hall wrote:
>Marc said:
>> IMHO you should either hire based upon samples, or conditionally hire for
>> 60-90 days and reevaluate. The second choice amounts to entering into a
>> short term contract. It gives both the employer and the writer a chance to
>> strut their stuff...and change their mind.
>I like the contract idea, in theory. However, in reality, our company is
>so understaffed and finding qualified candidates is so tough to begin with
>(St. Louis isn't know for being a mecca for tech writers) that once we
>hire someone, we're stuck with them. In other words, management would
>rather live with a bad choice than re-invest in the hiring/training
>process again. What are others' experiences--from the mgmt side?
>--
>Sherri Hall (shall -at- hilco -dot- com)
=======================
Regards,
Marc
M_a_r_c_ A. _S_a_n_t_a_c_r_o_c_e_________________________
Technical Writer/Trainer
TRW Financial Systems, Inc.
300 Lakeside Dr.
Oakland, CA 94612-3540
santa -at- tfs -dot- com santacroce -at- aol -dot- com
"An idiot with a computer is a faster, better idiot"
- Rich Julius