Re: A brief intro and a few newbie questions

Subject: Re: A brief intro and a few newbie questions
From: Goober Writer <gooberwriter -at- yahoo -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2003 06:25:01 -0800 (PST)


> I really enjoy the documentation aspect of my job
> and want to pursue a
> career in tech writing rather than systems
> administration. I would like to
> eventually work on projects for open source and/or
> consumer software,
> especially games and other entertainment related
> items.

Not much money in open source documentation. People
work on open source stuff because they enjoy what they
do and believe in a open community approach to
software development. You can do it if you enjoy it,
but don't expect much or any return for your time and
effort other than satisfaction. (Yes, I collaborate on
open source projects.) Check out sourceforge.net if
you're interested in helping out! There are 15 docs
needs at the moment:
http://sourceforge.net/people/?category_id=4

I hope that isn't construed as an ad, as this is all
open free collaborative stuff...

> Landing an entry-level position early next year is
> my goal. What types of
> skills should I work on to help me get a good
> entry-level position?

Interviewing, resume writing, and contact-building
skills.

> Can I
> use the documentation I have created in the past as
> part of my portfolio?

If you get an OK from your employers... Others contend
you don't need to, but I prefer the ethical route.
Sure, you did the work, but were paid to do so. Your
work is property of your employer, not you.

> I?ve read a lot about RoboHelp and FrameMaker, but
> do not have access to
> these programs. Do companies expect entry-level
> writers to be familiar with these applications?

Not the intelligent employers.

=====
Goober Writer
(because life is too short to be inept)

"As soon as you hear the phrase "studies show",
immediately put a hand on your wallet and cover your groin."
-- Geoff Hart

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