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My favorite is when I send an early copy out to a select few for
proofing. One particular guy likes to mark everything up, but he'll
circle something and write "Wrong" next to it... but give me no clue as
to what might be "right."
This has gone on for years. I ask him to please give me a hint as to
what might be correct... but I have to practically threaten physical
harm before I can get the answers out of him. It's particularly
challenging if the original "wrong" text was submitted by someone else
(which happens a lot here), and I have no earthly idea what might be
right, wrong, opinion, etc.
He'll also mark EVERY occurrence of an opinion thing like "fig. 2" vs.
"Figure 2." Even if I choose to change it (rare), a global search will
take care of it. No need to empty a pen on 300+ instances of that style
issue.
I'm thinking garbage collection might be a less stressful alternative.
And it's got benefits: Working outside, lots of variety, all you can
eat... it's starting to look better and better.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+mschmidt=weathercentral -dot- tv -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+mschmidt=weathercentral -dot- tv -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]
On Behalf Of arroxaneullman -at- aol -dot- com
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2006 9:01 AM
To: Sarah -dot- Bouchier -at- exony -dot- com; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Re: Gnaargh! Or, I Am Not Psychic
Sarah -dot- Bouchier -at- exony -dot- com said "I've just discovered that, shortly after
both I and the client went through and checked my company's user manual
and online help against the product, the development team made some
major changes to the UI without telling the doc team."
I feel your pain.
Yesterday, I was doing the final edit for a manual that's long overdue
and I notice two similar screenshots have different elements. So, I take
a walk to our friendly developer and ask him which version of the GUI is
most up-to-date. What does he say? "Neither. I changed that entirely in
the last version." WHAT? Did I miss a memo or meeting?
What is so hard about ensuring the (only) Tech Writer has access to the
most recent version of the software?
Supposedly, now thate we're a part of Big Corporation, we're getting a
project manager and will use those mythical objects known as "roadmaps"
and "spec sheets."
In the meantime, and in answer to your question, I feel justified in
switching on the 'female dog' mode--when necessary. I'm not very good at
kicking folks in the butt, but I'm learning. It helps to have some new
programmers; the guys who've been here forever have attitude issues.
Good luck knocking heads together--or whatever method works for you.
:)
Arroxane
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