TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Trouble with SME From:Matthew Stern <MAStern -at- PLATSOFT -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 1 Nov 1996 09:29:00 -0800
Here's one tip you can try in terms of dealing with the SME who wants to
know why his comments weren't incorporate:
Whenever I incorporate comments from a review, I always check off the
comments I use and make a brief comment next to a comment I don't use.
This isn't just for the reviewer's benefit: I also do it to keep track
of what I've changed and why. Also, if my updated files were ever
corrupted, it is easy for me to start with the previous draft and
reconstruct the changes.
Then, when the SME asks why his comments weren't changed, you can hand
him back his review copy, ask him to review your responses, and invite
him to discuss any issues he has. The SME can focus on specific issues
he might have. This is much more efficient (for both him and you) than
going over every change.
Hope this helps,
Matthew Stern
Sr. Technical Writer
Platinum Software Corporation
mastern -at- platsoft -dot- com