Re: Should the Doc Manager be equal to the Dev Manager? Response
Power: I really am not interested in empire building or a power grab. I felt
that the Dev Mgr was making documentation decisions based on the interests
of developers, not users. I was trying to find ways of dealing with that.
The trouble is, even if you're not interested in power, other people are. As a result, they'll interpret what you do as a power grab, even when it isn't.
And, just to make the nightmare complete, you can't even tell them that you're not interested, because, to them, that's just another tactic in the power struggle.
Question: What changes can a development department make that would help a
lone tech writer produce more? Better UI through UI reviews and iterations.
Specifications that are accurate and up to date? Bug tracking processes?
Project plans? A UI freeze some time before ship date? A development freeze
some time before ship date? Hiring a real tester?
All these are good ideas, but they're very hard to push for by yourself - especially the idea of hiring.
But one thing you don't mention is how much you're involved in what happens in development. That's really the key to implementing the changes you want. If you're not involved in most of the development discussion, then your concerns aren't likely to be addressed. Even more importantly, the developers will respect neither you nor your concerns. If there's any way to increase your involvement, that's the place to start.
--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com
"In defeat, malice; in victory, revenge."
-Anthony Jay & Jonathan Lynn, "Yes Minister"
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