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> > I cannot agree with this, because it basically says that
> > documentation and online help doesn't add value. If it
> > doesn't add value, it is of no value.
>
> My point was that the ACT of writing documentation (or whatever)
> does NOT add value. Yes, I'll stand by your paraphrase:
> "If it doesn't add value, it is of no value", for appropriate
> values of "value" ;-)
Eric...gotta disagree with you. Writing much documentation involves
running the application while they are being developed, doing the
actions, performing actions that result in an outcome. EVERY DAY, as
I'm writing about an application, I'm either finding errors or
processes that don't work well. I convey these situations to product
development and not always, but many times...more times than not,
they are addressed. I can honestly say that not all, but many of my
gigs took my input and made specific changes to the application based
on what was found during the writing and the subsequent testing of
the documementation on some unsuspecting novice functioning as a "lab
rat".
Brings me to the subject of respect. I feel that in almost every gig
I've been at, I've aquired respect although I've never walked in to a
position where they handed it to me. I get it because I don't seek it
or care if I get it or not. I'm gonna do my job to my best abilities
because it is the right thing to do. However, what I DO seems to be
what generates it.
- I do what I say I'm gonna do, usualy just a little bit better and a
tiny bit faster than they were expecting, with no whining or excuses.
- I respect other people's time like I want mine to be respected, and
just someone doesn't, doesn't mean I disrespect theirs..they'll come
around.
- I say "Why?", or "How?", or "Where?" alot, sometimes in the middle
of big meetings.
- I never say "I don't know how." Instead, I say "I don't know how
right now, but gimmee a day to figure it out and let's see how close
I get.
- And this is a biggee...I anticipate my peer's requests in advance,
so when they ask, they get it REAL fast.
All of a sudden, I'm being asked for in meetings and people I don't
know at the company start knowing me. When introductions are being
made around the table to a "sitting-in" Vice Pres., and I say "I'm
John Posada and I do the documentation", he responds "The tough part,
huh?".
Buiild it and they will come.
=====
John Posada, Senior Technical Writer
"I am a bomb disposal expert. If you see me running, try to keep up." mailto:john -at- tdandw -dot- com, 732-259-2874
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