Re: What may new subscribers post?

[Lisa <lisa -at- ENVISION -dot- COM>]

Doesn't communication involve *listening* to other people's points of view, and
      *respecting* others even if we don't agree with them? 

Umm...

I'm new to this list as well.  I don't remember the note that started this thread.  However, I do want to pick up this point from the note below.  I would like to see a discussion concerning interviewing and observation techniques.  I have been to several workshops on how to interview for requirements gathering and on usability labs.  I am interested in hearing about your experiences and training in these areas because I do think listening is an oft overlooked skill.

Thank you.

Lisa Miller
Technical Writer
Envision - Advanced Technologies Group
lisa -at- envision -dot- com

----------
From:   Matthew Stern[SMTP:MAStern -at- PLATSOFT -dot- COM]
Sent:   Monday, September 23, 1996 12:06 PM
To:     TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject:        Re: What may new subscribers post?

I sympathize and agree with Melissa Hunter-Kilmer:

>In light of the recent brouhaha on techwr-l, let us consider the question of
>what is appropriate for new subscribers to post.
<snip>
>Techwr-l is not an exclusive club.  Each of us may post.  We frequently
>disagree, and that's perfectly fine.  But saying "You're wrong -- and you're
>new, so put a sock in it" is completely uncalled for.

I am also a new subscriber, and I'm surprised by all the flaming that's
going on here. In just the first week or two I've been here, I've seen
some pretty heated arguments over subjects as diverse as college
degrees, profanity in e-mail, and even splitting infinitives. We as
writers feel passionately about the language and our profession, so it's
natural that we can argue strongly over these issues. While arguing is
acceptable (and can be fun to participate in), attacking each other is
not.

Aren't we supposed to be professional *communicators*? Doesn't
communication involve *listening* to other people's points of view, and
*respecting* others even if we don't agree with them? Doesn't
communication involve *expressing* our views effectively and clearly
without resorting to dirty, unfair, and ineffective tactics like insults
and personal attacks? Doesn't communication involve *including* anyone
who wants to participate, including those of us who have just joined?

Not only is TECHWR-L our forum, it shows others what our profession is
about and what technical writers can be like. So, let's set a good
example. Turn off the flame throwers and let's communicate like
professionals.

Thanks for letting me put in my US$0.02.

Matthew Stern
Sr. Technical Writer
Platinum Software Corporation
mastern -at- platsoft -dot- com

http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html