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:Pros and Cons of including writer's name From:pam <pam -at- WORKGROUP -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 27 May 1998 09:26:04 -0400
I am interested in finding out how many technical writiers have
their name included as author of the manual or document that
they write. Most of the companies I have worked for do not list
authors' names at all. What are the issues on both sides of this
question?
Pros:
Writer's sense of ownership is enhanced
Printing the name suggests a friendly attitude
Writers may enjoy the recognition of having their names included
Cons:
Customers might try to direct questions to the author instead of to
Customer Support
Liability issues related to errors?
Company prefers writers remain anonymous so set of manuals seem to
come from one source
Many people besides the writer contribute to a manual, and all would
not
be recognized appropriately
You can probably think of other considerations. Has anyone received
feedback from customers on this issue?
