Re: Tasks versus Job Descriptions. Was: Certification vs Help from our members

[Mary McWilliams Johnson <mary -at- SUPERCONNECT -dot- COM>]

Bernie, I think the "Tasks vs. Job Descriptions" topic is worthy of debate,
but perhaps not among ourselves. (It's kinda like preaching to the choir.)
I have this great notion that STC should form an "Educate the HR Folks
Committee" that would have a two-pronged thrust:

1.      Produce a video to be distributed (free) to head-hunters who hire
communicator-type people 
        that would explain the value an experienced communicator brings to a
project. 
        The value-added benefits include:
        - Getting the documentation right and complete and appropriate to the
target audience, 
                which would avoid customer frustration, loss of goodwill, and lawsuits.
        - Getting the job done right the first time rather than having to do it over.
        - Saving time by knowing what the heck he/she is doing.

2.      A group of folks to write articles for various business trade journals
pointing out the benefits
        to that journal's target audience of seeking out experienced communicators
to document their       products, procedures, etc. 

I think we have a long way to go to enlighten the average decision-makers
of industry and commerce as to the value of good communicators in all
aspects of their businesses. I'm sure there are still many HR and
management people out there who think we're just glorified desktop
publishers with a knack for putting words together.

Cordially,

              ------------------------------º><º------------------------------
                                 Mary McWilliams Johnson
                               McJohnson Communications
                                  Documentation Specialist
                Web Site Design, Development and Graphics
                                  www.superconnect.com
              ------------------------------º><º------------------------------
"One must learn by doing the thing; for though you think you know it,
                       you have no certainty until you try."
                             --Sophocles,  c 496-406 B.C
              ------------------------------º><º------------------------------

At 03:17 PM 8/9/98 EDT, Bernie McCann wrote:
>Hi Mary;
>
>In a message dated 98-08-08 16:56:32 EDT, you write:
>
><<  .... snip, snip ....
> Today, much is expected of a tech writer, and desktop publishing skills are
> every bit as important as the ability to write well. In fact, I can't
> remember when a job shop called up and asked if I were a good writer. No,
> they ask if I know Word, Robo-Help, or FrameMaker.
>   >>
>
>It strikes me that this is the most important statement in your post.
>Perhaps, we need a few human resource people on the List to provide their
>answers to this (I do not mean Communicators who hire - they should know
>better).
>
>Quality of documentation will suffer if there aren't any well thought-out job
>descriptions.  Tasks versus Job Descriptions, wouldn't that make a great
>debate?    ;-)
>
>Bernie

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