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.
> I am interested in finding out about anyone's contracting
> experiences--good, bad, pitfalls to watch for, etc.
The one thing I learned in my brief contracting experience is Trust No
One. Before you start a project, make sure you have a written agreement
explaining exactly what you'll be doing and how much you'll be paid. I
know many of you are saying "well, DUH!!" right now, but when I was a
naive new grad looking for experience, and the job that was supposed to
be editing turned into a complete rewrite and reformat with a vague
promise of "more money," it didn't occur to me that I should get it in
writing, and you can guess how that story ended. It's so easy for a
project to snowball, and after a few rounds of "oh, would you mind doing
this too," you suddenly realize you're doing twice the work and not
getting paid for it. Learn how to say "I'd be happy to add that to our
contract; it will cost $X."
Good luck
Tracy
who probably just confirmed a few suspicions regarding her mental
capabilities
--
===========================================================
Tracy Boyington mailto:tracy_boyington -at- okvotech -dot- org
Oklahoma Dept. of Vocational & Technical Education
Curriculum & Instructional Materials Center
Stillwater, Oklahoma http://www.okvotech.org/cimc/
===========================================================