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Subject:Re: Expectations (possible rant - it IS Friday!) From:John Posada <jposada01 -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Mon, 21 Feb 2005 09:30:28 -0800 (PST)
> > > > Working to the development schedule and planning are
> > > > necessary but not sufficient attributes for successful
> > > > tech writing.
> > Huh? I could produce the greatest deliverabvle ever seen,
> > but if it doesn't get done until 24 hours after development
> > has it going out the door, it's a doorstop.
> So then you're saying that working to the development schedule is
> necessary, and planning is necessary? And perhaps those two things,
> though necessary, aren't sufficient--other attributes are also
> required for success?
>
> OK John, you've won me over. I think I can agree to that...
I'll go one step further. Proper planning and schedule recognition
will make a mediocre writer appear better than they really are. Many
writers are great wordsmiths, but late much of the time or miss tiny
but critical aspects of the project. This, in turn, affects
deployment schedules and makes others around them jump through hoops.
Therefore, to everyone around them, they come off as poor writers
without some people even bothering to read their stuff. OTOH, being a
complimentary member of the team makes them (and the team) look
better and often, areas where they are weak will be backed up by
other members of the team.
=====
John Posada
Senior Technical Writer
?Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone
amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built
the Titanic.? - Dave Barry
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