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.
Subject:Re: First Technical Writer From:Mike Starr <mike -at- writestarr -dot- com> To:techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:10:11 -0600
I have to disagree with devoting time to immediately creating a company-specific style guide. As the *only* technical writer, Melissa *is* the style guide. What she needs to do is hit the ground running and show them immediate real productivity. It's not in the company's immediate best interests to create a style guide for a department of one.
--
Mike Starr WriteStarr Information Services
Technical Writer - Online Help Developer - Technical Illustrator
Graphic Designer - Desktop Publisher - MS Office Expert
(262) 694-1028 - mike -at- writestarr -dot- com - http://www.writestarr.com
Chris Morton wrote:
> Congrats, Melissa.
>
> My suggestion is to start by creating a company-specific style guide that
> addresses common errors you see in the current documentation (and any stuff
> that is client-facing, e.g., marketing pieces). This (friendly) guide could
> eventually be distributed on a wide scale when the timing and perceived
> reception are right (no one wants something shoved down their throat from
> the "know-it-all new kid"). The guidee might also incorporate usage of
> company collateral such as its logo, etc.
>
> Another way in which you could make an immediate mark is to create a
> corporate PowerPoint template for all to use. The Techwr-l archives also
> contain PPT presentation tips you could adopt and pass along to those who
> might make use of such info. If you can't find these and would like a copy,
> send me a private e-mail and I'll forward a copy.
>
> Best of luck!
>
>> Chris
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Use Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word, or HTML and
produce desktop, Web, or print deliverables. Just write (or import)
and Doc-To-Help does the rest. Free trial: http://www.doctohelp.com
Explore CAREER options and paths related to Technical Writing,
learn to create SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS documents, and
get tips on FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION best practices. Free at: http://www.ModernAnalyst.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
