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> <snip> We have problems. It seems that the
> managers in IS don't understand what technical writers do but they seem
> to think they need them. They think technical writing is word processing
> and consequently end up hiring people who know a lot about software
> packages and cool PC tools and toys but don't know how to do research and
> writing. I seem to be the only one who is serious about producing good
> documentation. Does anyone out there have suggestions for educating these
> people? We don't have a chance of establishing a professional department
> if the IS managers don't know how to hire professional writers.
Matt suggested teaching by example, comparing the final results of the
work by different "types" of authors. While I agree that in the end the
results are what really counts, I'm not sure the comparison between
"good and bad technical documentation" will really make your point clear
to your managers.
I have another idea:
1) Outline the complete PROCESS of writing good technical documentation,
as you see it.
2) Define the specific skills needed to carry out all the steps in this
process.
3) Compare the skills offered by the "real technical writers" and the
"software jockeys" (as you put it).
Somewhere along the way, management should understand that just being an
expert user of certain word processing applications is not enough to do
the job properly.
Just a suggestion.
Erich
--
Erich Schildhauer Phone: +49 40 60990-0
POET Software GmbH Fax: +49 40 60990-115
Fossredder 12 Mail: Erich -dot- Schildhauer -at- poet -dot- de
D-22359 Hamburg Info: http://www.poet.com/
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