I approach SMEs as peers, because that's what they are. I spend time with them just about every day, whether it be in project meetings or in random non-work discussions in the halls. I make my dependencies known up-front in a project, and I deliver info to them on time. I hit every angle on my own before going to them for clarification. I help them through sticky parts when possible, and offer them help in reviewing their specs and poking at their code/test plans/whatever to find possible problems. When it comes time for them to review my work, I give them only what's necessary for them to review (not the entire book/chapter/whatever), I tell them specifically what I want them to look at and look for, and I give them a deadline that is not too distant yet accommodating (usually about 5 working days, unless it's something really small).
On 10/31/06, Lisa M. Bronson (TCP) <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > It's pretty likely every one of us needs to gather info from SMEs when > writing documentation. A lot of technical communicators have a difficult > time with this. Do you? How do you get people to give you the time and > information you need? > > I have found the thing that works best if a SME is not forthcoming with > info is to say, "I've been assigned to write the manual about xyz, and my > manager sent me to you for information. I know that you are very busy, > though, so I don't want to take up your time with this. Who else would be > able to give me the information about xyz?" > > So far, it's worked every time, and 90% of the time, they take the time to > give me the info I need rather than passing me on to someone else. > > What do you do in a situation like this? -- Bill Swallow HATT List Owner WWP-Users List Owner Senior Member STC, TechValley Chapter http://techcommdood.blogspot.com avid homebrewer and proud beer snob "I see your OOO message and raise you a clue." _______________________________________________ Interested in Interactive 3D Documentation? Get the scoop at http://www.doc-u-motion.com Your 3D Documentation Community. _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals To post a message to the list, send an email to [email protected] To find out more about the list, including archives and your account options, visit http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com If you need assistance with the list, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
