Tool use (was: Hi)

[Jean Hollis Weber <jean -at- jeanweber -dot- com>]

Christopher Grant makes several excellent points about tools skills, with 
which I agree. Very well said!

To the paragraph quoted below, I would add that it's also very important to 
be _willing_ (perhaps even eager) to learn new tools. I've dealt with -- 
and read posts from -- far too many writers (and wannabees) who whine about 
the necessity to fit into an existing departmental system and learn new (or 
different) tools instead of using their favorites. "Why do I have to use X? 
Why can't I use Y? Y's better for the job and easier to use."

Sometimes the whiner is correct: Y _is_ better and/or easier to use than X, 
but in most cases it's _really_ a matter of "I'm used to Y and don't want 
to take the time to learn how to use X properly." If Y really is a better 
choice for a particular job, there are ways to attempt to change the 
situation, but whining, sarcasm, and other non-constructive forms of 
attempted persuasion aren't among them, especially if you're new on the team.