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Subject:RE: Another question I've had for years... From:mlist -at- safenet-inc -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Fri, 15 Oct 2004 11:43:16 -0400
> "How would you get information from subject matter
> experts that are
> being...difficult? Let's say that they never had the
> time to speak
> with you, or they were reluctant to give you the
> information that you needed."
Hmmm. I think that I might answer that one like this:
"Let me ask you a question that might answer what you
really want to know. If I've worked for several different
companies over twenty years as a techwriter and honestly
never had that as a problem, would you interpret that as
a fluke, or as me exercising the desired capability?"
If the interviewer persisted, I'd note that I try to be
respectful of other people's time and space, and I try
to be prepared with specific, knowledgeable questions.
This indicates that I'm not fishing in a fog and not likely
to waste everybody's time.
If that doesn't work, fall back on threats. Credible threats.
Threats never spoken near an open microphone or a witness....
And brownies. Double-chocolate brownies made extra-rich with
cream cheese.
Kevin
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