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Subject:RE: Jobs going Overseas 2nd OT From:Sean Wheller <seanwhe -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 1 Oct 2003 07:36:42 -0700 (PDT)
--- "Brent P. Newhall" <me -at- other-space -dot- com> wrote:
> * We're guaranteed to know the language, and
> language comprehension (or
> lack thereof) will be obvious much more quickly with
> a local TW than with
> an outsourced one.
Indian writers can make the same claim. In fact many
of them speak and write nearly perfect English. Just
because the have an accent does not mean they cannot
write English. On the flip-side Indian English is from
the British dialect so they may have to learn to write
in the American dialect.
> * It's easier to talk about the documentation's
> structure with a local TW.
> When your customers start complaining about your
> online help, and you
> realize you have to restructure it, which would you
> rather have: a local
> live body to talk to, or an e-mail address?
Communication is essential in our job, but there is no
preference on the medium for communication. Email is
only one medium. I found that most organizations with
off-shore development facilities use Video
Conferencing technology. This has most likely
increased since 9/11.
I don't think people mind, so long as the message gets
across. Besides, putting it in writing often helps. I
like to use IRC and save the logs. That way I have
record of what was said, without taking notes.
> * We're more immediately available to fix bugs. See
> something wrong? Tap
> me on the shoulder and explain in your own words in
> fifteen seconds,
> rather than spending five minutes composing an
> e-mail.
Bugs. Ah yes. Thank goodness for bugzilla.
I prefer to have people log a bug than keep
interrupting my thought. This also helps me to keep
track of what needs to be done. When people bring you
errors/bugs personally, they expect you to fix them
then an there. I don't like having to find the file,
open the file, find the error, make the change, save
and exit. Especially when the document is not urgent,
not currently under review and not on my current list
of ECO's. When time comes, all bugs will be attended
to during the course of completing an ECO.
For the most part I found remote development to be
very productive. Communication is essential, but
sometimes to much of it can be distracting. Tools such
as Email, IRC and Bug Tracking help to keep order. My
work load can be monitored, as can my progress.
JMHO
Sean Wheller
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