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Subject:Re: Word to the wise From:"Mike Starr" <mikestarr-techwr-l -at- writestarr -dot- com> To:"Bill Swallow" <techcommdood -at- gmail -dot- com>, <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:24:16 -0600
"I'll download the trial versions of the applications I need but be aware
that they'll expire in 30 days so we need to make sure the approvals are in
place well enough in advance that we get the licensed versions before the
trial versions expire. I'll get the stuff installed and configured before
lunch and that'll give Ted time to get me full access to the application so
I can be productive this afternoon."
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From: "Bill Swallow" <techcommdood -at- gmail -dot- com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 11:24 AM
To: <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Subject: Re: Word to the wise
> Dead-on accurate. Often many people are too quick to bend or too
> careful not to disappoint (and then disappoint when they can't deliver
> as promised). Speak up, make your needs known, and always say "no"
> when "yes" isn't the correct answer.
>
> WRONG:
> Mgr: I need you to document this app that will ship in 4 weeks. Here's
> a copy of Word. Ted can get you screen shots.
> Writer: Um, ok.
>
> CORRECT:
> Mgr: I need you to document this app that will ship in 4 weeks. Here's
> a copy of Word. Ted can get you screen shots.
> Writer: Four weeks is very tight. What exactly are you looking for,
> since a comprehensive guide is out of the question in that time frame.
> Also, I will need X, Y, Z tools by tomorrow if you want me to meet the
> 4 week deadline. I appreciate Ted's help, but I need access to the
> live app in order to correctly document it. I'll submit a PO for the
> software to your attention right now. Let's expedite that, and in the
> meantime I'll work with Ted to ensure I have unrestricted access to
> the app, as well as gather and read the specifications and internal
> documentation to learn about the app. If we can get the tool keys in
> by tomorrow afternoon, I should be able to hit the ground typing first
> thing on the morning after tomorrow, and will send drafts out for
> review every Friday and Tuesday to ensure we're on track and the
> information is accurate.
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