RE: portfolio questions

["Humbird, LenX" <lenx -dot- humbird -at- intel -dot- com>]

I tend to agree with Jason. My portfolio is a one-of-a-kind. Even with the
information being non-proprietary, and I were assured by the potential
client that it would be reviewed and returned quickly, I have no idea in
what condition it will be returned to me. Besides, the contents of the
portfolio is meant to be presented, not distributed. There is not sufficient
information in my portfolio to explain the context of the samples, or to
point out the highlights of the project or my specific involvement. There
are too many potential questions to be answered elegantly in a portfolio
like this. 

If I had an online portfolio (not a bad idea), that would be different. I
would probably consider having a web site, and have a few copies on CD. 

Len


<Darren Barefoot>:
Mr. Czekalski makes several good points, though he seems a little paranoid
with regards to his third rule below. Often during interviews I don't have
enough time to seriously read or examine a portfolio sample. If the writer
is not willing to leave me material (or a copy of the material) how can I
adequately evaluate their skills? If the work is propreitary, why bring it
to the interview at all? 


<Jason A. Czekalski>:
There are some rules for using such work for portfolio purposes:

First, bookmark the specific sections you want to show. Nothing looks
worse than fumbling through a manual you wrote.

Second, do not show sections of the work that might be proprietary.

Third, the manual is for show-and-tell only. NEVER leave a copy with a
prospective client. Maintain control of any portfolio manual at all
times.