RE: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
Word is also a memory hog. It uses more than twice as much RAM as FM at launch and sucks up more as time goes on. It often runs out of memory and sends error messages about no longer letting you undo anything. If you are working in a Word doc over 150 pages or so, you are definitely taking chances and are likely to experience Word literally slowing down and eventually grinding to a halt. The Word autonumbering bug is horrendous to put it nicely. Bulleted and numbered lists are reformatted for you while you sleep (whether you want them to be or not). When you open the doc again, numbers have changed to bullets, numeric lists are now alpha lists and start with e instead of 1, or if you are lucky and they are still numbered, they start with 430 instead of 1. This is not a joke folks, I see this every day at work. We have created some workarounds, but to answer Steve's question, it is NOT worth it. Fortunately, we have also have FM, and are beginning to convince the powers that be how much more stable and efficient FM is. Diane -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Steve Rickaby Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2006 2:39 AM To: framers@FrameUsers.com Subject: Re: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? At 16:15 -0400 17/5/06, Ron Miller wrote: If I experiment with style changes, Word creates a new style like Body + blue font + 6 pt line spacing. It handles numbered lists very poorly and it is quirky and seems to lack any coherent use model. Frame on the other, while not perfect (what software is) and certainly less intuitive at least does what you want it to do and doesn't try to do so many things you wish it wouldn't. I think the key difference can be summed up by saying that Word takes a lifetime to master to the degree at which it can be used to produce results comparable to those that can be produced quite easily with Frame. It can be done, but is it worth it? -- Steve -Original Message- From: Ron Miller Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 1:15 PM To: John Posada Cc: Framers@frameusers.com Subject: Re: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? I agree with John, tools are always changing, but that said, if you have a choice, Frame is just so much more solid than Word. I've been working on two projects recently. In one I'm in Word and I'm having the hardest time just sticking to a template. If I experiment with style changes, Word creates a new style like Body + blue font + 6 pt line spacing. It handles numbered lists very poorly and it is quirky and seems to lack any coherent use model. Frame on the other, while not perfect (what software is) and certainly less intuitive at least does what you want it to do and doesn't try to do so many things you wish it wouldn't. Ron ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
I agree with most of what you have said about Word. For large documents, you are often better off using a piece a cardboard and a crayon than having to resort to Word. However, I've found that Word's autonumbering feature works better than most people (including me) have complained about. I used to get extremely frustrated with it until I quite literally had an epiphany one day and realized how it actually works. After some testing, I was able to set up a 300-page document with paragraphs that were autonumbered six levels deep: x., x.x, x.x.x,, x.x.x.x.x.x that also included autonumbered figures and tables. It was also quite stable, things didn't magically mess up. I was so happy with my new discovery that I almost took the rest of the day off. The biggest problem I have found with Word's autonumbering feature is that it is documented so incredibly poorly and isn't very intuitive. And, although it does work, the same feature is so much easier to understand and use in FrameMaker. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Diane Gaskill Sent: Friday, May 19, 2006 8:12 AM To: framers@FrameUsers.com Subject: RE: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? Word is also a memory hog. It uses more than twice as much RAM as FM at launch and sucks up more as time goes on. It often runs out of memory and sends error messages about no longer letting you undo anything. If you are working in a Word doc over 150 pages or so, you are definitely taking chances and are likely to experience Word literally slowing down and eventually grinding to a halt. The Word autonumbering bug is horrendous to put it nicely. Bulleted and numbered lists are reformatted for you while you sleep (whether you want them to be or not). When you open the doc again, numbers have changed to bullets, numeric lists are now alpha lists and start with e instead of 1, or if you are lucky and they are still numbered, they start with 430 instead of 1. This is not a joke folks, I see this every day at work. We have created some workarounds, but to answer Steve's question, it is NOT worth it. Fortunately, we have also have FM, and are beginning to convince the powers that be how much more stable and efficient FM is. Diane -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Steve Rickaby Sent: Thursday, May 18, 2006 2:39 AM To: framers@FrameUsers.com Subject: Re: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? At 16:15 -0400 17/5/06, Ron Miller wrote: If I experiment with style changes, Word creates a new style like Body + blue font + 6 pt line spacing. It handles numbered lists very poorly and it is quirky and seems to lack any coherent use model. Frame on the other, while not perfect (what software is) and certainly less intuitive at least does what you want it to do and doesn't try to do so many things you wish it wouldn't. I think the key difference can be summed up by saying that Word takes a lifetime to master to the degree at which it can be used to produce results comparable to those that can be produced quite easily with Frame. It can be done, but is it worth it? -- Steve -Original Message- From: Ron Miller Sent: Wednesday, May 17, 2006 1:15 PM To: John Posada Cc: Framers@frameusers.com Subject: Re: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? I agree with John, tools are always changing, but that said, if you have a choice, Frame is just so much more solid than Word. I've been working on two projects recently. In one I'm in Word and I'm having the hardest time just sticking to a template. If I experiment with style changes, Word creates a new style like Body + blue font + 6 pt line spacing. It handles numbered lists very poorly and it is quirky and seems to lack any coherent use model. Frame on the other, while not perfect (what software is) and certainly less intuitive at least does what you want it to do and doesn't try to do so many things you wish it wouldn't. Ron ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/jharvey%40cambridges oft.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
Hi, Diane. Diane Gaskill wrote: Word is also a memory hog. It uses more than twice as much RAM as FM at launch and sucks up more as time goes on. It often runs out of memory and sends error messages about no longer letting you undo anything. If you are working in a Word doc over 150 pages or so, you are definitely taking chances and are likely to experience Word literally slowing down and eventually grinding to a halt. Heartily agreed! I find the threshold to be lower - about 50 to 60 pages. After which the problems in Word simply get too painful to deal with on any given document. Particular when making lots of updates and changes and graphics (don't get me started on that topic in Word!). So, I use Word for most documents, since others in our company do not have FrameMaker - then they can make changes (all changes and approvals are separate issues, of course) without my being involved in the work. But, when I reach the 50 page threshold for any given document, I convert it to FrameMaker. This means that I also then get the responsibility for *all* future changes to the document. Good and bad side-effects. :) Z ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
Hi, Definitely focus on the position and the work. The tools change all the time and learning a particular bit of software is the easy part. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Andy Kelsall Sent: 11 May 2006 16:40 To: Framers@frameusers.com Subject: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? Hello everyone, I would like some advice from anyone who has worked in the technical writing field for more than 3 years. My question is this: If you knew someone who was looking to enter the technical writing field at this time, would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? The reason I ask is that on various listservs I subscribe to, it seems that most people are big FM advocates and are not too fond of Word. I've spent the last month trying to learn the basics of FM, and I can see why people choose FM over Word when it comes to serious technical writing. Granted, there is a steep learning curve, but it *is* a lot more versatile than Word. I'm moving away from a 17 year career as a technician and engineer in the telecom field and I want to make sure my first step into technical writing isn't a misstep. As a quick note, I have given the career change quite a bit of thought, and went as far as completing a technical writing program at Duke. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks, Andy ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/mark.levitt%40betfai r.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. In order to protect our email recipients, Betfair use SkyScan from MessageLabs to scan all Incoming and Outgoing mail for viruses. ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
Position, work, and subject matter. Tools are a snap. Hello everyone, I would like some advice from anyone who has worked in the technical writing field for more than 3 years. My question is this: 15 years John Posada Senior Technical Writer So long and thanks for all the fish. ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
Hi, Andy: I've been training technical writers on FrameMaker over the past ten years. I just wanted to respond to the popular idea of FrameMaker as having a steep learning curve. It's true that there's a lot the product can do, and a lot to learn about using all the features necessary to do those tasks. However, if you'd use any other tool for the same work, you'd need to learn how to do the same tasks. In my opinion, it's technical writing itself that has the steep learning curve regardless of the tools one uses. The reasons that some writers prefer - or are required - to use a particular tool set for their projects may be dictated only by personal preference, because of tradition, or because the project requires specific features or abilities. Keep in mind that more and more, tools are being used in tool chains that not only create content, but manage it for selectively retrieving and publishing it for a range of purposes (or repurposes.) So you may need to choose a tool because it plays well with others, not just for its own qualities. I'm sure you'll receive many good opinions and suggestions from experienced writers in response to your question. Regards, Peter Gold KnowHow ProServices At 11:39 AM -0400 5/11/06, Andy Kelsall wrote: Hello everyone, I would like some advice from anyone who has worked in the technical writing field for more than 3 years. My question is this: If you knew someone who was looking to enter the technical writing field at this time, would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? The reason I ask is that on various listservs I subscribe to, it seems that most people are big FM advocates and are not too fond of Word. I've spent the last month trying to learn the basics of FM, and I can see why people choose FM over Word when it comes to serious technical writing. Granted, there is a steep learning curve, but it *is* a lot more versatile than Word. ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
Re: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
You're kind of asking a Catch-22 question, Andy, because you should obviously focus on the position and work But most tech writing gigs will specify or require skills with whatever tools the shop uses. So you need to focus on both. I think that you need to have at least a passing familiarty with both FM and Word in order to be in the running for the largest pool of tech writing gigs. Art On 5/11/06, Andy Kelsall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello everyone, I would like some advice from anyone who has worked in the technical writing field for more than 3 years. My question is this: If you knew someone who was looking to enter the technical writing field at this time, would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? -- Art Campbell [EMAIL PROTECTED] ... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl. -- Richard Thompson No disclaimers apply. DoD 358 ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
...would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? Mark, Position and work and more important, depending on what you mean. The key thing is that you know how to write clearly. The information should flow into the reader's brain without them taking any particular notice of the actual words or format. I understand that the tech writers at Microsoft use FrameMaker, which if true, should be a clue. (Maybe that's an urban legend, but I'd like to think it's true.) I started with Wang Word Processing, and have used WordPerfect, vi, XyWrite, Ventura Publisher, and FrameMaker. I like FrameMaker best, but the tool you use is not what makes you a good writer, how well you write is. Jim -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Andy Kelsall Sent: 11 May 2006 16:40 To: Framers@frameusers.com Subject: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? Hello everyone, I would like some advice from anyone who has worked in the technical writing field for more than 3 years. My question is this: If you knew someone who was looking to enter the technical writing field at this time, would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? The reason I ask is that on various listservs I subscribe to, it seems that most people are big FM advocates and are not too fond of Word. I've spent the last month trying to learn the basics of FM, and I can see why people choose FM over Word when it comes to serious technical writing. Granted, there is a steep learning curve, but it *is* a lot more versatile than Word. I'm moving away from a 17 year career as a technician and engineer in the telecom field and I want to make sure my first step into technical writing isn't a misstep. As a quick note, I have given the career change quite a bit of thought, and went as far as completing a technical writing program at Duke. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks, Andy ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/mark.levitt%40betfai r.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. In order to protect our email recipients, Betfair use SkyScan from MessageLabs to scan all Incoming and Outgoing mail for viruses. ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/jlight%40pillardata. com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
Andy wrote: If you knew someone who was looking to enter the technical writing field at this time would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? Andy, Congratulations on the career move. My immediate reaction is all of the above. I would try to gain as much FM experience as you can because in my opinion (purely an opinion) most companies that have a more serious documentation approach, and better documentation processes, also have a respect for FrameMaker. Respect for documentation and respect for Frame seem to go hand-in-hand. Those organizations usually want some solid experience. That said, it's useful to keep up-to-speed on Word. The blasted software can do a lot, if you force yourself (as I have to on my current job) to do so. Beau Cain has a terrific guidebook about this. (I got it from him somehow from another list, and could probably do so again if I had to!) However, as you said, neither tool matters as much as core competencies. Best tips I can give to improve those ... * Learn business process and project management. That's No. 1. If you don't already have it, I highly recommend JoAnn Hackos' Managing Your Documentation Projects. Nothing saddens me more than to see technical writers arguing over vagaries of punctuation or why don't they take writers seriously?! while they seem utterly clueless about how they can (or do) benefit their organization. The greater your business sense, I believe, the greater will be your job satisfaction, no matter where you go. The increasing ability of technology to replace repetitive tasks should keep us all aware of work we do that truly does require a human brain or analysis. * Membership in the STC and its various groups would be a bargain at several times over the price. (Every decent job I've ever gotten, I got through one STC job bank or another; again, an employer who respects technical writing respects the STC.) I always shudder in embarrassment for them when I hear somebody whining over negligible dues. When you're talking about an organization that, if you take advantage of its resources and services, can make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars in your annual income, $200 for dues and SIGS is a bargain! * Write clearly and solidly. Get Elements of Style if you don't already have it. A good new-writer rule (especially for someone coming to it with an engineering background) is kick the passive tense. My first boss told me: You can teach tools, you can teach technical. It's a lot tougher to teach good writing. Bureeda Bruner Paragon Innovations, Inc. Phone: 972-265-6000 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: www.paragoninnovations.com Success Stories: www.paragoninnovations.com/ng/success.shtml Embedded systems design from start to success ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
Having been a manual laborer for about 15 years, I've come to appreciate FM. Word gets better with each new release, but still loses its mind when the auto-numbering schemes get complex (auto-numbered chapters and headings, steps, figures, tables, etc.). word is also limited in the graphics-file-format-import realm. Other Word-related anomalies push me to the brink of madness. I presently use FM and Word, the latter for docs the engineers may need to tweak occasionally, and the former for the big user and service manuals that I own and manage exclusively. Due to past struggles with various DTP and related software as such programs apply to TW, I have made decisions, in interviews, base upon the tools available within a company, and a department's apparent willingness (or lack thereof) to consider modernizing their tools (e.g., from Word, PageMaker, Quark, et al., to FM or, back in the day, Interleaf). When I worked in a strong, small TW-contract co. about 10 years ago, we added about 15 percent onto bids that required us to use Word (versus FM or Interleaf). I would advise a TW starter to consider and inquire of the tools available, and inquire as to whether better-suited tools are in the near-future budget. The answer may reveal the dogmatic or tenacious nature of a manager, department, and company. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Andy Kelsall Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 10:40 AM To: Framers@frameusers.com Subject: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? Hello everyone, I would like some advice from anyone who has worked in the technical writing field for more than 3 years. My question is this: If you knew someone who was looking to enter the technical writing field at this time, would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? The reason I ask is that on various listservs I subscribe to, it seems that most people are big FM advocates and are not too fond of Word. I've spent the last month trying to learn the basics of FM, and I can see why people choose FM over Word when it comes to serious technical writing. Granted, there is a steep learning curve, but it *is* a lot more versatile than Word. I'm moving away from a 17 year career as a technician and engineer in the telecom field and I want to make sure my first step into technical writing isn't a misstep. As a quick note, I have given the career change quite a bit of thought, and went as far as completing a technical writing program at Duke. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks, Andy ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/mforseth%40imago.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. NOTICE: These communications may contain privileged or other confidential information for the sole use of the designated recipients. If you have received it in error, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without reviewing, copying or disclosing the contents. ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
I've been a technical writer for 15+ years. To answer your question: If you knew someone who was looking to enter the technical writing field at this time, would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? I would advise the person to look for both, a job that requires FrameMaker (because Frame is the industry standard) and the right position. The tool you use is important because it's often a requirement for most tech writing jobs, but some places will train you on the tool. The position is just as important, if not more. Here's a good example, my experience had been documenting training manuals and user guides for in-house IBM 390 mainframe systems, DOS-based products, software products, and some computer station setup. When I realized that I REALLY liked documenting software, I began interviewing specifically for software tech writing jobs. My first official job at a software company required Frame. I didnt know Frame. They interviewed me and hired me, not because I knew the tool, but because I had the skill, experience, and attitude they wanted. With that being said, dont feel like you have to pick one or the other, first discover what you think youll enjoy documenting the most, the tool is always something you can learn. Good luck. Heidi From: Andy Kelsall [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Framers@frameusers.com Subject: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 11:39:34 -0400 Hello everyone, I would like some advice from anyone who has worked in the technical writing field for more than 3 years. My question is this: If you knew someone who was looking to enter the technical writing field at this time, would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? The reason I ask is that on various listservs I subscribe to, it seems that most people are big FM advocates and are not too fond of Word. I've spent the last month trying to learn the basics of FM, and I can see why people choose FM over Word when it comes to serious technical writing. Granted, there is a steep learning curve, but it *is* a lot more versatile than Word. I'm moving away from a 17 year career as a technician and engineer in the telecom field and I want to make sure my first step into technical writing isn't a misstep. As a quick note, I have given the career change quite a bit of thought, and went as far as completing a technical writing program at Duke. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks, Andy ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/twins398%40hotmail.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
RE: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word?
Hi! I don't think that this advice is useful only for New Zealand... Knowing FM will help you get your foot in the door. In the Silicon Valley, demand for tech writers is ramping up. My years of experience suggest to me that tech writing departments will now be *desperate* for writers. They'll be choosing candidates who can contribute immediately. That may mean that experienced FM users get first crack at the jobs. *Learning* FM helped me learn about the book-writing process. Even unstructured FM will help you learn standards, consistency, and organization, especially if you have to write your own templates. Structured FM really helps you learn an organized approach to information organization. It also helps you learn XML if you're not familiar with it. I could *use* Word before I learned FM, but afterwards I knew more about what Word was all about. Once you learn FM, you can figure out how to do the same stuff in Word. IMHO, Word is not a great tool for technical writing; still, you will run into it. If you know Word, you'll be a hero in your company even if they don't use it for tech writing. Overall, though, learning *how to organize information* made me a tech writer. Grammar and rhetoric skills don't do much if you can't put the information in a place where the reader can find it, and produce an overall group of topics that make the product clear. Joe Malin Technical Writer (408)625-1623 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.tuvox.com The views expressed in this document are those of the sender, and do not necessarily reflect those of TuVox, Inc. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of rebecca officer Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 3:14 PM To: Framers@frameusers.com; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Career advice--which application to focus on: FM or Word? If you were looking for work in New Zealand, you'd be in one of two situations: - working in a tech writing team with a company or consultancy. In that case, the tool is pretty irrelevant. In our company, we take people who've never seen FM before and get them competent within a week or two. What matters to us is the ability to write clearly about complex technical material. If you've got the kind of mind that can cope with high-end internet switches, learning FM is a breeze! - working by yourself in a small company. The problem there is that you don't have anyone to learn the tool from, so lack of tool knowledge can drive you batty. And the tool is most likely to be Word. So in NZ, I'd advise someone to focus on the position and work - especially to look for something with variety and the potential to rise further - but also to try and come to grips with Word enough that you can competently produce a template-based book from it. Cheers, Rebecca Andy Kelsall [EMAIL PROTECTED] 12/05/06 03:39 Hello everyone, I would like some advice from anyone who has worked in the technical writing field for more than 3 years. My question is this: If you knew someone who was looking to enter the technical writing field at this time, would you advise them to seek out positions where they would be using FrameMaker, or would you tell them not to worry so much on which application would be used, but instead focus on the position and the work itself? The reason I ask is that on various listservs I subscribe to, it seems that most people are big FM advocates and are not too fond of Word. I've spent the last month trying to learn the basics of FM, and I can see why people choose FM over Word when it comes to serious technical writing. Granted, there is a steep learning curve, but it *is* a lot more versatile than Word. I'm moving away from a 17 year career as a technician and engineer in the telecom field and I want to make sure my first step into technical writing isn't a misstep. As a quick note, I have given the career change quite a bit of thought, and went as far as completing a technical writing program at Duke. Any and all advice is appreciated. Thanks, Andy ___ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
