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In many software companies, tech writers who want to become involved in
specifications and product design have to push for it. It may not be true
everywhere, but it has been for all of the companies I've worked for. Once
we become involved, and actually contribute, it becomes SOP. But it's often
a struggle to get the organization to recognize our abilities in this arena.
MTC
Connie Giordano
-----Original Message-----
From: Laura A Mac Lemale [mailto:lmaclemale -at- paychex -dot- com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 16, 2001 10:50 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: RE: New TECHWR-L Poll Question (design specs)
[snip]
I am intrigued by John Garison's description of the tech writer's
involvement in the spec development at his company. (Since becoming a tech
writer two years ago, I've only been involved in projects with existing
specs in the development phase.)
And I'm curious if the tech writer's role described by John is standard in
other companies...
Regards,
Laura MacLemale
Technical Writer
lmaclemale -at- paychex -dot- com
Disclaimer: Usual disclaimer applies....
John Garison wrote:
"Here at IDe, all features to our products are designed by cross-functional
teams (which include tech writers). As part of these feature teams, writers
are involved in taking the preliminary product ideas and fleshing them out
into both functional specs as well as detailed design and technical
specs..."
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