Re: Tech Writer Lawsuit

["Gene Kim-Eng" <techwr -at- genek -dot- com>]

I have noticed over the years a definite tendency for
technical writers to suffer from a martyr complex,
ranging in severity from Dangerfieldesque "I don't
get no respect" to a level of cringing I've only seen
while working with abuse survivors (I won't go into
the details of that here).  One of the recurring
challenges of being a publications manager has
been coaching writers to push back on unrealistic
expectations from product managers and to stand
their ground with uncooperative and disrespectful
SMEs.  Many writers with years of experience seem
utterly flabbergasted when they see me "take on"
these people, when all I'm really doing is talking to
them as if we're equals and I expect them to treat
me as one.

Gene Kim-Eng



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Collin Turner" <straylightsghost -at- gmail -dot- com>
> We (Tech Writers) are generally a quiet lot who just want to get our 
> jobs
> done and don't care to rock the boat. We're not here to create trouble 
> or
> rouse a riot. We complain to each other about how rough it is, but 
> take the
> lumps from the outside without raising hands to the outside world.
>
> In short? We can be rather cowardly bookworms when it comes to finding 
> a
> voice.

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