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.
> 1. What is the difference between an independent contractor and an
> independent consultant?
A contractor contracts to do a job. The employer needs work done.
A consultant is consulted to provide advice or expertise.
Typically, the contractor's deliverables are end-products -- working
software, documentation, ... -- while the consultant's are more likely
to be things like plans or specifications.
There are exceptions in both directions. One might use a contractor
for a feasibility study or a product specification, and part of a
consultant's work might be to build the software he or she specifies.
> 2. What is a subcontractor?
You contract someone to build you a house. He hires subcontractors
to handle various specialists tasks: concrete pouring, electrical
wiring, ...
