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Subject:RE: How to fend off a tech writer From:"Margaret Secara" <margaret -dot- secara -at- alphather -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 09 May 2002 11:32:25 -0700
Actually, I've only been in a situation once where we--the whole tech writing group (10 people!)--were told not to talk to the developers. Apparently it was understood that we didn't *need* to talk to them, and it would only be bothering them. The fact that they were the only ones who actually knew about what we were supposed to be documenting wasn't considered relevant.
I hadn't done much contracting before, I needed the work, and I tried my best to get along with the resources I was given, which did not include a PC of any kind, either. The whole thing was a very weird experience. I didn't last long, but that's ok.
Otherwise, I've never been told I was bothering the developers,or to funnel questions through someone else, or whatever. But then, you all know how shy I am. :)
Maggie Secara
>>> Price Lisa - IL <PRICEL -at- tusc -dot- com> Thursday, May 09, 2002 >>>
Nope, not true. :) I've gotten the same responses, usually at shops where
I'm a) new to the organization and an unknown, b) the only writer, or c)
both.
Can't add anything to the list Mike already posted. And Matt's suggestions
are worth trying. There are, however, some shops that simply don't know
what to do with all the requests for information they're receiving, or don't
value documentation (or contractors) enough to take the time to answer
questions.
LisaP
-----Original Message-----
Nope. It's just you.
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