Re: Expectations (possible rant - it IS Friday!)

["Gene Kim-Eng" <techwr -at- genek -dot- com>]

Yes, I have, as a writer/employee, a consultant and as a 
manager/employee.  My first step is to spell out, "here's
what you said you want, here's what we're going to need
to do to get there/here's what can be done with what you're
able/willing to put into the effort."  I work out as many of
the potential corners that might be cut and then spell out in
black and white (and sometimes in living color presentation
slides) what the options are, then stand back and let them
tell me which plan they choose to go with.  In the case of
direct positions, I work on getting an understanding before
the offer is accepted, in the case of consulting work, before
the contract is signed.  In each case, I have on occasion
chosen to pass on work because that understanding seemed
lacking.

Oh, and I *never* take on the "getting across that technical
writing is a profession."  I *am* a professional, and I go in
with the attitude that I have nothing to prove in that regard.
If the company/client doesn't seem to get that upfront, there's
nothing else for us to talk about.  The big red flag for me in
any position description is "serve as document evangelist."
Call me *after* you've already decided you need this stuff.

Gene Kim-Eng


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robyn Richards" <robynrrr -at- hotmail -dot- com>