Re: Tech Writing Problems

["Nancy S. Burns" <nburns -at- NOAO -dot- EDU>]

A few people who responded to postings on tech writing problems asked what
to do about managers who don't know
anything about what you do or don't really care.  While I am fortunate not
to be in either situation, I have had that experience in other positions.

Since we are in the business of communicating decisively and sometimes
persuasively, would any of these approaches work for you:

*Make the time to create your own on-going, informal program to promote
technical communications to your manager or in your department or company.

For example, this might include:  your input (verbal and written) of what
you (try to) do, why (the benefits to your manager, company, and
customers), issues you're dealing  with and how you are (creatively)
dealing with them, or the  support you need from your manager (which is
part of her/his job).

*Suggest to your manager that you both attend a seminar on tech comm.

*Give presentations to your department about your role, a particular
project you're working on, or some educational aspect of tech comm ( this
was previously discussed on this list).

If anyone has other suggestions to offer in dealing with tech writing
problems, I'd like to hear about them.

Nancy S. Burns, Technical Writer
National Solar Observatory
Tucson, Arizona
e-mail:  nburns -at- noao -dot- edu
Telephone: 602-322-8574
FAX: 602-321-3400