Do you do QA?

[Alex Bilsland <bilsland -at- ENTERPRISE -dot- CA>]

In your original post, you wrote:

>My coworker and I were recently informed that we were expected to perform QA
>functions... <snip>
> But it seems odd to label us "QA test engineers/technical
>writers" when we also design and create a product that needs to be QA tested.
><snip>
>I'd like the opinions of other writers. Am I being unreasonable in resisting
>this arrangement?

Unless you think it worthwhile to get QA experience, I suggest that you
continue to resist. I think it is wrong to compromise the relationship
between QA and anybody else; they should be independent so that
their assessment can be as objective as possible. To have QA personnel
develop products and to have the writers carry out a QA function compromises
the role of each.

Perhaps I am being inflexible but I believe that some of the best working
relationships need a certain professional detachment. An example of such
detachment is the relationship between editors and writers. Who is better
than an editor to assess the substance and structure of your work?

I do not mean to pry, but is your company in the throes of re-engineering?
This move sounds like someone is just mixing things up to see what happens.

Alex Bilsland

Senior Technical Writer
Fortran Traffic Systems Limited

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