Re: Education for tech writers

[Peter <pnewman1 -at- home -dot- com>]

Jo Francis Byrd wrote:
<snip>
> Every job I've had has taught me something new and/or allowed me to hone an
> existing skill. These days I designate myself senior level. I have, by hard work
> and producing quality documentation acquired a reputation for being one of the
> best. Whether or not I really am is another issue, but if people want to believe
> that...heck! who am _I_ to argue!
> 
> Pursuing TW certification now would be counter productive for me. Yes, I'd
> probably learn stuff I don't know, if fact, I'm sure of it. But is it worth the
> investment of time and money for me? At this point in my life, no.
> 
> That is the question you need to ask yourself: is it worth the investment of my
> time and money, will I gain enough from the sacrifice to make it a worthwhile
> goal? When you can answer that, you'll know whether or not to continue pursuing
> it.
> 

I sense from your posting that you feel formal education is a waste of
time. For some it may be. Did you ever think about what you really do
with that time you save?
Exactly what are you sacrificing? 
Whatever happened to education, (not necessarily formal,) for the sake
of learning "stuff." Unfortunately, the attitude of measuring the value
of a degree in terms of dollars alone reflects too much of our society.
Continue education just to expand your personal horizons. The world has
more than TW's to offer. Experience it. Far less waste of time than a
beer in front of the TV. 

-- 
Peter

Arguing with an engineer is like mud wrestling with a pig.
You soon realize they both enjoy it.