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Subject:Re: the Scope of TW From:"Dave L. Meek's User Account" <dave -at- SYNERGEX -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 28 Jun 1996 11:08:07 -0700
Gotta make this quick, so I'll leave out the details.
Just got done talking with a programmer about a chapter he wants
included in the manual. Problem is, I'm supposed to generate the
TOC and index and have the whole thing over to the printer by
close of business today.
The programmer wants me to add the chapter and not put in any
index entries for it. Says an accurate TOC and index aren't
important.
Suddenly, it dawned on me that we technical writers face more
than just the usual discrimination about not being as important
as programmers. We also face the belief that quality manuals
aren't that important either.
Sure, I could do what he says--if I don't mind putting out poor
quality work. But that's not how I operate. And that's not the
sort of downward spiral I care to indulge; if I give in now, I'll
never again be able to defend putting out high quality.
Fortunately, I can wrap myself in the flag of quality and stand
my ground.
Gotta go!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Dave Meek
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