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Re: Microsoft wants journalists, not tech writers?
Subject:Re: Microsoft wants journalists, not tech writers? From:Goober Writer <gooberwriter -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 30 Oct 2003 05:46:10 -0800 (PST)
> Seriously, I think if we can find some info about
> the
> discussions that went on in Microsoft headquarters,
> we'll find out this is all about the bottom line
> rather than technical communications. Anyone have
> any
> figures comparing pay rates of tech writers to
> journalists?
Doubtful. You're talking roughly about a couple
hundred thousand dollars in difference maximum, if
that was MS's intent. That's not substantial enough
for MS to look at as an incentive. Heck, they still
are plowing the Xbox into stores despite the ~$200
million hit they're taking on the product annually. In
this example, losing the money isn't as valuable to
them as getting market share is. Eventually, the
numbers will flip. MS is and has been focused on
long-term success, not quarterly looks at nickels and
dimes.
And, it sounds like these tech journalists will be
HIRED and not contracted. That might be a wrong
inferrence on my part, but it sounds that way. Given
that, after benefits and office infrastructure costs,
the savings (if any are intended) of hiring
journalists over tech writers will be minimal.
=====
Goober Writer
(because life is too short to be inept)
"As soon as you hear the phrase "studies show",
immediately put a hand on your wallet and cover your groin."
-- Geoff Hart
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