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I haven't been following the thread completely, but recently I moved from
"senior tech writer" to "content strategist".
That means that I need to be aware of ALL the content the company has
created, and "connect the dots" for current and future content.
As well as provide input on where the company is going with content.
An interesting role that I'm still exploring - ramifications, challenges,
best known methods...
Anyone have any input on that topic?
----------------------------
Jodie Gilmore
Fulcrum Communications, LLC
360-335-8201
Washougal, WA
www.fulcrumcomm.com
I wake up every morning determined to both change the world and have one
hell of a good time.
Sometimes this makes planning the day a little difficult. - E.B. White
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+jgilmor=pacifier -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+jgilmor=pacifier -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf
Of Chris Morton
Sent: Friday, December 26, 2014 7:24 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Re: Additional roles for technical writers
When I'm able to do so without stepping on anyone's toes, I operate like
Mike. I see something that needs attention, and because I'm affiliated with
the organization and take pride in my work, often come up with a quick and
low-cost (or no-cost) solution. Like Mike, these things usually get added to
my plate, which is fine.
Back in the other assignments area:
- Researcher
- Trade Show Co-Planner/Attendant
- Software Integrator
- Continuity Checker (especially in relation to overall company/project
branding)
- Specifier/Recommender
- Purchasing Agent
- Typographer
- Artist/Art Director
- Software/Hardware Development
- Printing Liaison
- Troubleshooter
- (Ad Hoc) Help Desk (sometimes feels like Mr. Know-It-All on *The Rocky
& Bullwinkle Show*)
- Writing Coach
- Banner/Poster Creator
> Chris
On Thu, Dec 25, 2014 at 12:01 AM, Mike Starr <mike -at- writestarr -dot- com> wrote:
> I've done most of the things Chris and Erica itemized but a few that
> haven't cropped up are:
> mentoring
> user interface redesign
> testing utility development
> creating bills of materials for documentation assemblies (back when
> there were individual manual sections in 3-ring binders) building
> custom displays for trade shows template development internal resource
> for Microsoft Word VBA development for document automation in
> Microsoft Word critic at large
>
> However, many of these functions weren't things I was asked to do...
> in a lot of cases, I saw that they needed to be done and just went
> ahead and did 'em. In other cases, I opened my big mouth in a meeting
> and said something needed to be done and ended up being the one with
> the task. I generally realize before I say something that it could
> land on me and when I do speak up it's partially because I'm either
> willing or anxious to do it because I know I'll do it the right way.
> That's been the case a number of times with user interface design...
> "if you're so smart, let's see if you can come up with something better."
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Mike
> --
> Mike Starr, Writer
> Technical Writer - Online Help Developer - WordPress Websites
> Graphic Designer - Desktop Publisher - Custom Microsoft Word templates
> (262) 694-1028 - mike -at- writestarr -dot- com - http://www.writestarr.com
> President - Working Writers of Wisconsin
>http://www.workingwriters.org/
>
> On 12/24/2014 4:06 PM, Craig Cardimon wrote:
>
>> Hello and Merry Christmas, Whirlers!
>>
>> My manager told me he was pleased with how I've been doing, but that
>> he would like to get me involved even more with the company.
>>
>> In your own experience, what kinds of corporate "chores" have you
>> been asked to apply your skills to as technical communicators?
>>
>> I'll Google around on my own too, and see what I can come up with.
>>
>>
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