TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Ignoring her is a good idea but it doesn't really stop the disruption or improve your group's reputation.
I think that - without mgt intervention - it's difficult to handle this without encouraging her. If you respond - you're enabling your behavior. If you ignore her, then she feels justified in continuing rant. I'd also avoid discussing the situation with her - from what you write, it sounds like she enjoys her grievances & likes to air them - so don't feed her. I've worked with people like this & sometimes the best way to handle them is by being unfailingly polite, helpful, and positive.
My suggestion is that you respond every time she yells out a question about a file or makes an accusation. But do not respond in the way she wants - do nothing to encourage her behavior. Instead - cc everyone in your group & send her a simple message like this: I didn't change your file. (Sometimes add "sorry I can't help you".) Perhaps other people will also join in. Ideally - she will find the email responses irritating & a poor reward for her actions. If nothing else - you are giving her the info she asks for & have a record of this. This might be useful if you ever want to push for version control or a better communication process.
abby initio <abby -dot- initio -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote:
But on a funnier note, I have already implemented the "don't respond when
directed at the group" tactic. The result? Yup. She just keeps ranting away,
sighing loudly, demanding an answer, and griping about the non-response from
everyone else. She'll say things like, "I know everyone hears me. Who's been
in that file!"
---------------------------------
Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell?
Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
Now shipping: Help & Manual 4 with RoboHelp(r) import! New editor,
full Unicode support. Create help files, web-based help and PDF in up
to 106 languages with Help & Manual: http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
