Re: Most Important Programs to Learn

[Kelly Hoffman <kelly -at- NASHUA -dot- HP -dot- COM>]

Bonni Graham <Bonni_Graham_at_Enfin-SD -at- RELAY -dot- PROTEON -dot- COM> writes:

> Learn _a_ word processor ... Learn _a_ desktop publishing system.
> Learn _a_ graphics package. Once you've learned one, picking up
> another is not that hard, thanks to things like CUA guidelines.

> If you understand the theory of what you are trying to do, the tools will
 come.
> A company requiring expert knowledge of specific writing tools is like a car
> dealer requiring a mechanic to know how to use Snap-On tools.

I agree with Bonni on this one, absolutely.  Don't get so hung up
on learning the tools that you forget what the *real* job is:
communicating the necessary information to your audience.

We've just had a discussion on how important it is for a tech
writer to be able to learn new things quickly.  That trait
applies to tools as well as to subject matter.

Now, anyone want to talk about which *one* word processor,
desktop publishing system, and graphics package to learn
first?  (Sorry, folks, it *must* be Friday :-) :-) :-)

kkh
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly K. Hoffman                            kelly -at- nashua -dot- hp -dot- com
Learning Products Engineer
Hewlett-Packard, Network Test Division      "Reading the manual is
One Tara Blvd., Nashua, NH 03062               admitting defeat."