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For the most part, I agree with what you said, Andrew. When I do a good job,
respect
myself, and quite worrying about what other people think, I tend to get
respect and
good pay. I did have to learn how to stand my ground and insist on adequate
compensation, though.
Ranking and status are not important to my ego. However, when a company
tends to
rank me right above a secretary (which I believe tend to be undervalued and
underpaid
anyway) they tend to pay me right above a secretary. Additionally, if I am
"ranked"
lowly, my opinion is seldom considered. (As a technical writer, I have a
unique view point
and can significantly improve a product or service.) Finally, I am
considered expendable
if I have a low status. We all know that it is not as easy to train a writer
as many
managers would like to believe.
When I originally started working at my current company (1991), tech writers
were
considered overglorified secretaries and were paid accordingly. After 3
years of that,
I chose to leave for a company that appreciated my talents. Now I am back.
It is
amazing the difference in the attitudes here. I am not sure who educated
this company,
but they did a good job. Tech writers are valued. That means our input is
respected and
we are paid well. In return, we do add value to our products and processes.
There are some companies or managers who are uneducatable. Today, I do not
choose
to work in such situations. I work in a place where I am valued and treated
accordingly.
Melonie Holliman
Tech Writer
AMD, CPD
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Andrew Plato [SMTP:intrepid_es -at- yahoo -dot- com]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 1999 1:49 AM
> To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject: Tech writer status <rant>
>
> I don't get it. What is the big deal about "status" or "prestige" at a
> company? Why are tech writers so concerned with their "position" and
> "ranking" in an organization.
>
>
