TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
After reading this, I have no solutions, only questions.
Or maybe the questions can suggest solutions...
Who's selecting these outside writers/companies? What
criteria is being applied to the selection? Is anyone looking
at samples of past work, getting and checking references
from their past clients, etc.?
Who's defining the format that's a "mess?" Are you providing
the contractors with document templates, style guides, specs
of any kind for what they're supposed to be turning in to you?
Your contractors "refuse to accept" your edits? What kind
of contract do you have in which your contractors' work does
not have to pass some sort of checks and approvals before
payments are made?
Shoddy products and services from vendors can be a reality
in any profession, ours is nothing special in this regard.
Gene Kim-Eng
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