Questions About Whirlers and Environments

[Sheldon Kohn <Sheldon -dot- Kohn -at- onlineinsight -dot- com>]

Hello All,

My job is as the first technical writer, whirler trailblazer if you will,
for an Internet start-up company. I am currently preparing for the upcoming
expansion of our team by defining a workable information development process
and by defining what we should look for in new whirlers. 

As I was talking with the Vice President of Software Development, he asked
me two questions, which I would like to pass along to members of this list.
I have my own opinions, but I wanted to see what both senior people and
relative newcomers think before I make a formal response.

First, in your experience, what qualities should one look for in a whirler
for a start-up environment? What I mean is, what type of whirler is most
likely to succeed in a start-up environment?

Second, what does management need to do to keep such people motivated and
committed for the long-term? In your experience, are there any specific
environmental factors distinguishing a company that makes whirlers want to
be innovative and to exceed expectations that are admittedly already high?

Please feel free to respond to me directly. If there is interest, I will
summarize responses for the list.

TIA!

Sheldon Kohn
Senior Technical Writer
Online Insight, Inc.