On Saturday, November 11, 2006, tarage wrote: > 2) Will you get to use it? Even the greatest idea is meaningless if > you're not allowed to implement it. Tech writers usually aren't the > ones who make decisions on tools or paradigms. That's the stuff of > managers.
IMO your experience is the exception, not the rule. I think most tech writers have the responsibility of defining the tools/technology they use for their jobs. Otherwise, we wouldn't see so many "which tool should I use/what kind of help should I develop" posts by tech writers. > I know some folks live, breathe, eat, and sleep tech writing and make out > with every new idea that hurtles down the pike, but me? Sure it pays to be > aware of what's out there, but my job is not my life. I won't spend it on > the paradigm treadmill. You don't have to be an expert in every technology out there, but it certainly doesn't hurt to take a little time here and there during your working hours to research a new technology. Professionals in every field -- including technical writing -- are expected to keep abreast of industry trends. Failing to do so is doing a disservice to your employer. 2 cents, Dana W. *************************** Dana Worley Software Product Manager/Manager, Software Support Group Campbell Scientific, Inc. Microsoft MVP, Windows Help _______________________________________________ Are you a Help Authoring Trainer or Consultant? Let clients find you at www.HAT.Matrix.com, the searchable HAT database based on Char James-Tanny's HAT Comparison Matrix. Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] for details. 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 subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com or, via email, send a blank message [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit the TCP site at http://www.techcommpros.com 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]
