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I understand all the polite pieces of advice shown here in the last few
minutes. And we support you, friend. But, let me say that this
uncomfortable situation rarely happens to the male technical writers. I
know I often get tired of setting the record straight, even gently!
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Keith Arnett [SMTP:keith_arnett -at- RESTON -dot- OMD -dot- STERLING -dot- COM]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 1998 11:03 AM
> To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject: Re: secretary's day
>
> I'd suggest you that first of all, you set aside your feelings of
> insult, and put yourself in the position of someone who
> appreciates
> the work of another, but finds that a well-intentioned token of
> appreciation has offended the recipient. Then, take the card to
> the
> person who sent it, and with wide eyed innocence, ask, "I'm a
> little
> confused...I really don't understand why I got this card!"
>
> When the giver states his/her reasons, you will have an
> opportunity to
> "open a dialogue" and inform/educate the giver as to your
> feelings.
>
> Bear in mind that the card does represent some level of
> thoughtfulness
> and gratitude on the part of the giver, even if it is
> inappropriate.
> Be sure to thank the giver verbally for thinking of you, and
> strive
> for a positive outcome.
>
> Regards,
>
> Keith Arnett
> Technical Writer
> Sterling Software, Inc./Operations Management Division
> Reston VA USA
>
>
> ______________________________ Reply Separator
> _________________________________
> Subject: secretary's day
> Author: <maalton -at- UNITY -dot- NCSU -dot- EDU> at INTERNET
> Date: 4/22/98 10:34 AM
>
>
> Hello all fellow tech writers.
>
> I have a workplace dilemma. Today is secretary's day. Not something
> i
> would usually care about because I dont have a secretary. But this
> year
> I care about it because when I got to work there was a card on my desk
> thanking me for my good work as a SECRETARY! (i've been with this
> company for 4 months)
>
> While its nice to be appreciated, its not nice to be considered a
> secretary when you have a BA from a prestigious university and are
> working on your MS in tech comm. AND do not perform secretarial
> duties.
> I should also mention that I don't get a secretary's salary...nor do I
> have a secretarial title.
>
> Frankly I am highly insulted. I feel like issuing a statement
> explaining
> that while I appreciate the card and being appreciated, I am not a
> secretary.
> WHat do you guys think? Should I just forget it or voice my opinion?
>
> &^~~~
> Send commands to listserv -at- listserv -dot- okstate -dot- edu (e.g., SIGNOFF
> TECHWR-L)
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>
