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.
I have been approached to have the product of my endeavours recognised through
an Easter Egg in the software. I'd never heard this term before, but
apparently it is quite popular with software programmers. They program a
certain key combination into the software to have information on the developer
come up. In this case, it will show in the help file ('cause that's what I's
did).
I am not sure how the company feels about this, the programmer has not asked
their permission. I don't want to ask anyone else, for fear of reprimand
against the programmer who is doing this (if the company disapproves). I have
no intention of giving my information if I don't have approval from at least my
supervisor, but I don't want to just say no without finding out how other
people feel about this. I may change my mind about approaching my supervisor if
it seems like a common industry practice.
Has anyone else done this before? Is this an acceptable industry practice or
is it generally frowned upon.
I am not used to getting any recognition (outside my department) for the
products I produce. It feels weird.
Barbara Stuhlemmer
Technical Writer, The Software Group Ltd.
(barbara -at- group -dot- com)
