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Subject:RE: Retentive on Friday From:"Humbird, Len - CFC" <Humbird -dot- Len -at- cfwy -dot- com> To:"'TECHWR-L (E-mail)" <TECHWR-L -at- LISTS -dot- RAYCOMM -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 19 Nov 1999 15:52:15 -0800
Sean,
Though this probably isn't the proper forum for venting (try
alt.my.idiot.boss), I would say that the examples you have pointed out are
rather trivial, and seem to highlight personal preference in writing styles,
rather than expounding the virtues of a superior method.
You have two choices: bitch and complain, show your dark side, and see if it
gets you anywhere; or shut up and put up with it, and carry on knowing that
you produce above-average product no matter what they say. As you go higher
in the ranks of seniority and experience, you have to deal with younger,
know-it-all peers and superiors. I know I do.
I know one writer who puts up with a lot of needless crap from her manager.
Instead of bitching and complaining (and being labeled "difficult to work
with", and "insubordinate") she takes it in stride, smiles, and mentally
says to her manager, "You're an idiot and I don't give a sh*t." She says it
helps.
Or you could use the Columbine method and shoot up the damn place. Everyone
has their own unique way of dealing with opposing points of view.
It's been a slow day...
Have a good weekend all!
-----Original Message-----
From: Brierley, Sean [mailto:Sean -at- Quodata -dot- Com]
Sent: Friday, November 19, 1999 9:52 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Retentive on Friday
Hallo:
As I reviewed a colleague's work, today, with the old red pen, it occurred
to me what a "particular" (some do say "retentive") writer I have become.
I use rank, instead of prioritize.
I use use, instead of utilize (unless I am using a tool for something other
than its intended purpose)
I use click, instead of click on.
I use articles, instead of not using them.
I use commas before which.
I try for short sentences.
My callouts tend not to duplicate body text.
Each heading is followed by an introduction (maybe brief) before launching
into any procedure.
I strive mightily to fit new information to my existing document styles,
rather than creating new document styles to accommodate new information.
I use the conditional tense when needed (though, I admit, I don't correct a
lack of the conditional when I see it in the writings of others).
. .
