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.
I've never had a crazy deadline that I couldn't handle by pushing myself; my most difficult work situations have always involved other writers whose stubbornness, insecurities, and/or egomania outweighed the forces of practicality, common sense, and a shared goal of moving forward.
I was once told: "I agree that how you used different font weights and text sizes for diagram labels to visually group different elements looks better and makes the information clearer; but its not our style." I responded: "Well, how about we discuss updating the style at our next meeting?" Him: "No... just change everything back to 8pt bold."
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+lynne -dot- wright=tiburoninc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+lynne -dot- wright=tiburoninc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Paul Hanson
Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 11:31 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Most difficult project
My most difficult project was at a previous employer. I was trying to learn InDesign while revising a large manual (140 pages) that didn't use styles.
There was also no style guide - just spoken rules like the 'rule' re: spaces after a period. The rule (and this is a direct quote): "Use one space after a period unless it looks funny, then use two."
Paul Hanson
Senior Technical Writer
Pearson
-----Original Message-----
From: Platko, Mickey
Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 9:03 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Most difficult project
My most difficult project as a tech writer was when I walked into my first day on a new job and was told the first stage of my deliverable was due that day because the schedule had been pulled in two months. I was given examples of what we had to write, and pointed to some sources for information, but had to pretty much fumble through. Then the entire project due date was pulled in another two months during our production time.
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