Re: Satisfaction (was ... Re: The value of technical writers)

[Chris Willis <cfwillis -at- M1TECH -dot- COM>]

> From: Cam Whetstone

> Therefore, the documentation group is
> overhead. they subtract from the
> profit, they do not pay the bills. Is
> this valid? I don't think so,
> but most engineering managers I've
> worked with think that way.

This opinion does, unfortunately, run rampant. I used to work for a firm
where that was the case. They talked the talk of wanting good, readable
user documentation, but when push came to shove, they didn't want to put
their budget, or resources, where their mouths were. Fact of the matter is,
there are still those engineering and programming managers out there who
can't believe that it really takes what it takes to make a good set of user
docs. It's especially difficult to get support if you are a department of
one or two individuals in a large organization. To work for one of those
organizations can really wear on you after a while, and give you a jaded
view of the world of tech writing as a whole.

However, take heart in knowing that view is not shared by every
organization. I would encourage you to get out there and seek a position
where the technical writer is understood as a valued commodity. Check out
consulting firms in your area. Some firms specialize in creating excellent
documentation.

Take a deep breath, make an attitude adjustment, then go out and find a
place where you can be rewarded for doing things the right way!





Chris Willis, President
Media 1 Technicom, Inc.
616.837.6119 voice
616.837.1974 fax

cfwillis -at- m1tech -dot- com
<http://www.m1tech.com/>www.m1tech.com


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