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.
I was with you (Steve Jong) until, "But you can't impose your choice on others." I don't think that is what Robert is trying to do or would propose. In response to your last comment, I would add, in the Darwinian marketplace you can't prevent tech writers from trying to take down a certification scheme that they perceive to be against their best interests.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+lporrello=illumina -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+lporrello=illumina -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Steven Jong
Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2011 9:20 AM
To: robert -at- lauriston -dot- com; TECHWR-L Digest
Cc: Steven Jong
Subject: Re: Certification -- what's in it for writers
Robert Lauriston wrote:
> Certification would be a substantial expense with zero benefit to any
> individual tech writer except in the zero-sum game of beating out
> another tech writer for a job.
Your premise is false; certification is not a "zero-sum game." I have previously given the general economic factors that make employers compete for and remunerate certified professionals (because they cost less and reduce risk).
It would be ideal if there was a job for everyone and everyone had an ideal job and no one ever got turned down for a job they wanted. But in reality, the job market is Darwinian. Let's assume for the sake of argument that certification IS a zero-sum game, and that by obtaining a certification you are making yourself more likely to get a job at the expense of someone else. It's your choice how to compete for a job. You can get additional training, polish your résumé, build a portfolio, practice interviewing skills, or get certified. You are also free to choose not to compete. But you can't impose your choice on others.
Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days. http://www.doctohelp.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
