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.
Subject:Re: Portfolios and contracts From:Greg Cento <greg -at- FOCUS-SYSTEMS -dot- ON -dot- CA> Date:Thu, 22 Aug 1996 14:30:33 -0400
Hello group,
Win Day and David Demyan have both raised the same point. Here is David's
version (I was too quick on the delete key after reading Win's):
>BTW, I don't think it is wise to show some something without the permission
>of the previous client/employers for whom it was completed. I also rely
>on these people for recommendations, so it is best to lay out all the
>cards for a prospective client/employer because he/she may just call
>your reference and say something like: "I saw the work Dave did for
>you and I have some specifc questions about that project." If you have
>given away any of the previous client/employer's secrets, you'll be in
>deep doo-doo and may get a bad rap.
FWIW, whenever I take on jobs that require a contract (in my experience,
not all do), I make sure the contract addresses whether I may include the
finished product in my portfolio. To date this approach has been well
received. I'm not sure why, but my guess is that it speaks to my
professionalism - it says (1) I'm in it for the long-haul; (2) I'll be sure
to do a good job since I already know I want to show it off; (3) I'm up
front about my intentions ("honesty is the best policy").
I've done this four times now and have four diverse pieces that I can
safely display to potential clients.
Greg (who tries to minimize surprise when possible) Cento
greg -at- zone4 -dot- com
TECHWR-L List Information
To send a message about technical communication to 2500+ list readers,
E-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send administrative commands
ALL other questions or problems concerning the list
should go to the listowner, Eric Ray, at ejray -at- ionet -dot- net -dot-