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You do exactly what I do. Write original stuff from a knowledge you
learn from the SMEs. Yes. So, I am the check and balance against
incorrect information, not a second, third, or twentieth SME.
The only part where that is not 100% true for me is the theory in
hydraulics, hydrology, and the like, that accompanies the software docs
in an appendix. That is, I have a solid understanding of the subject,
and if anything jumps out and bites me, I double check. But, for the
most part, I rely on the SME to be correct about their research info.
-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Byfield [mailto:bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com]
Sean Brierley wrote:
> Well, I don't have time to poll every SME and conduct research. I
sorta
> have to take the SME at their word--
Seems to me that the comments in this thread are missing a very basic
point.
Early in a project, I may need to depend on a SME, because I don't know
much about the technology. However, before I start writing, I have
enough grasp of the technology that I have some sense of when
information is right or complete.Within the constraints of the
deadlines, I consider reaching this point a basic requirement of the
job.
Because of this approach, the whole issue of how much to trust the SMEs
is not very relevant to me. I can judge for myself.The question is only
important if you're simply transcribing and formatting information from
the SMEs without making any attempt to understand it.
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