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Subject:Re: Why not to credit writers From:Seth Kaplan <Seth -dot- Kaplan -at- EBAY -dot- SUN -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 24 Sep 1996 11:35:41 -0700
Liability is definitely a problem. However, writers in the US are typically
protected if the company has an approved review policy and the writer has
followed it. This would include having appropriate technical experts review
material for accuracy and sign off on the document, thus transferring
blame from the writer.
Of course, a good lawyer might say otherwise...
Seth Kaplan
SMCC
Speaking for myself, not the company.
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Perhaps the same ones I would refuse to put my name in a manual: Liability.
This way users only have one person to sue: The manufacturer.
To prevent misunderstandings: I wish to be proud of my work. I like to keep my
customers through high-quality work. But I would like not to stand in court
whenever possible. And according to European product liability legislation, a
user can sue anyone who was involved in manufacturing and might be liable for
his damage. If he sues me, *I* have to prove that I am *not* guilty.