Re: what separates a senior tech writer from a regular tech writer?

["Will Husa" <Will -dot- Husa -at- 4techwriter -dot- com>]

Paul,

If you really want independence, then you should become a lone gunman. Being 
an independent contractor allows you to negotiate your pay per project. If 
your skill set is in demand, then your rate reflects what the market will 
bear.

Frequently, you are the only technical writer on the project. Instantly, you 
become the senior technical writer!

Be seeing you,

Will
(still independent after all these years)
=========================================
Will Husa
Technical Writer
Procedure Writing and Online Help
Phone: 708-927-3569
Fax: 630-668-9283
Website: www.4techwriter.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Paul Kretschmer" <Paul -dot- Kretschmer -at- YARDI -dot- com>
To: <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 11:23 AM
Subject: RE: what separates a senior tech writer from a regular tech writer?


>
>
> Here's the situation:
>
> I asked to be promoted to "senior" tech writer.  (At other companies, I
> have held that title.)
>
> My immediate boss said OK, you come up with the definitions, we'll see
> if we can promote you.
>
> For me, the most important criteria is being able to work independently
> - to come up with solutions to problems that face our dept. (in addition
> to following our standard procedures for producing documentation).
>
> Thanks to everyone who has responded so far!  I'm gathering material.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+paul -dot- kretschmer=yardi -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+paul -dot- kretschmer=yardi -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]
> On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
> Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 9:00 AM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: RE: what separates a senior tech writer from a regular tech
> writer?
>
> Am I the only one here who heard alarm bells?
>
> Currently, Paul's a member of an undifferentiated team of (mostly)
> experienced professionals. Someone wants to stratify them into a
> hierarchy, but that person doesn't know the difference between a senior
> and a junior team member.
>
> First, tell us why someone wants to create the hierarchy. What problem
> is this intended to solve, or what new opportunity is it intended to
> create?
>
> There are many different, correct ways to define senior and junior tech
> writers within a company. Your answer will help us determine which
> definitions might work best for you.
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Paul Kretschmer
>> Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 11:20 AM
>> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
>> Subject: what separates a senior tech writer from a regular
>> tech writer?
>>
>> I've been asked to come up with a set of criteria for
>> senior tech writers and regular (junior) tech writers at
>> my workplace.  (Currently we are all just tech writers -- 
>> there are no "seniors" among us, even though most of us
>> have been doing this for years and years.)
>>
>> In your opinion, what are the important differences
>> between a senior and regular tech writer?  If you have
>> any ideas, please pass them along.
>>
>
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Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more.
http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList

True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
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