RE: Related to the thread - Expectations too high

Subject: RE: Related to the thread - Expectations too high
From: "Robyn Richards" <robynrrr -at- hotmail -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 28 Sep 2004 00:42:41 +0000


Manisha wrote:
> ... I am a person who likes exploring new things and frankly
> speaking I enjoy this variety of work.
> But I want to know
> 1. What exactly other TW around the world are writing
> and expected to?
I too am in a similar situation. Being the ONLY technical writer in the company, any time there is a document to be written it falls to me. I have been with the company for just on a year and in that time have writtern user material, marketing material, web site content, internal processes, internal sales material, etc.
I am currently developing a 'test matrix' and 'test plan' - despite the company having a highly skilled tester on staff of many years standing (seems he hasn't yet been able to generate one!).

I DO enjoy the variety and challenge, althogh sometimes it is a little overwhelming.

> 2. Is it too much my company is expecting from me?
A little anecdote: earlier this year, I was asked to develop the marketing material for 5 products in 3 days, from scratch. Our small company was bought out by a larger one with marketing expertise and an extensive sales network, with which they were to launch our products into the 'big corporate' sales environment. Despite their expertise in sales and knowledge of the sector, it fell to me to provide them with their material.

I certainly felt that it was asking too much of me, given that I had no knowledge of the industry nor any idea how the company wished to market the product (nor access to anyone who might have an idea). However, my manager encouraged me to have a go, saying that the 'marketing gurus' in the company would review and refine as necessary. I managed to complete the material and it was published - verbatim. Five months down the track it is still being used 'as is'.

There are times when I do feel the company expects a lot of me. Because of the environment I am in, I often have to work without any input from SMEs, so any of my tasks can be a challenge. My manager throws me something curly every now and then, but expects me to let him know when I am out of my depth. How much you take on is up to you.

> 3. What designation should be given to me to reflect the
> actual work I am doing?
My business card says 'Documenter' - in the main because no one seems to know what to put on it.

I know that my manager values me for my whole skill set - he often asks me to do things outside the role of 'documenter' and relies on my knowledge and experience. I also know that, because of my title, their are others in the company who do not value my skills (quote from the CEO- 'Nobody reads documentation!').

I can't tell you what to put on your business card, but I would advise you to 'explore' as much as you can!

Good luck,
Robyn

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