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Subject:Re: Re[2]: How do I handle this one? From:Lynn Gold <figmo -at- RAHUL -dot- NET> Date:Fri, 26 Sep 1997 15:06:28 -0700
Ron D Rhodes wrote:
>
> Elizabeth Shulz wrote:
>
> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
> By the tone of your message, it sounds like there is more going on
> between the two of you than just a disagreement over style.
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
> More going on? You are perceptive. There is tension between us. I
> am young (29) and relatively opinionated (is that a guy thing?).
> Anyway, I certainly don't want to portray myself as a know-it-all!
> And, while I am experienced and seasoned (6yrs in the business), I
> want to keep my mind open to people whose opinions differ from mine.
>
> I appreciate you calling this issue to my attention.
Uh...been there, done that, got the t-shirt to prove it.
It's NOT a "guy-thing." I'm female, and I'd be arguing the same points
with this other writer Ron's arguing.
In particular, the "user" vs. "you" thing is straight out of any elementary
technical writing text.
The way to handle this person is the way I had to handle a similar
situation at my last job:
Go to a local college or two that has a technical communications track.
Note the points you want to prove, and buy textbooks that back your point
of view. The more textbooks you get, and the more recently they were
written, the more solid you look to non-writers.
Granted, sometimes internal politics are such that no matter HOW right you
are and HOW well you can prove yourself, if the other person is a superb
office politician, you're out of luck. In that case, quite frankly, there
ARE other jobs out there.
Just my $0.02,
--Lynn
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