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> I think most people will answer "improve the image of the
> tech writing field," or "established recognized minimum
> competency," but are really motivated by a desire to
> keep people *they* see as "unqualified" out of the market
> for jobs. Since there's no option that says, "to reduce
> competition," I'd have to choose "other/none of the above."
Actually, my motivation is "keep people *they* see as "unqualified"
out of the market", but not what "I" see as unqualified, but what
employers see as unqualified.
Gene...you hire people. Now, you may be in the minority and have
always hired people who can do what they say they can do, but
probably because you are a technical writer. How often are technical
writers hired by non-writers to be part of their staff, only to find
out that what they thought the person could so, they couldn't.
Certification would simply say that the person proved to an external
entity that they've proven that they know how to do X skills. This
isn't a guarantee that they have the attitude to do it well for you,
but that they passed a minimum competency screening.
Does it keep people out of the field? No and it's not intended to.
Does it keep an entry level writer in an entry level position, with a
higher percentage of advanced positions being filed with expereinced
professionals? I'd like to hope so
John Posada
Senior Technical Writer
?I can win an argument on any topic,
against any opponent. People know this,
and steer clear of me at parties.
Often, as a sign of their great respect,
they don't even invite me."
Dave Barry
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