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Re: Introduction and Tech Writing Horror Story [Long]
Subject:Re: Introduction and Tech Writing Horror Story [Long] From:Alexia Prendergast <alexiap -at- SEAGATESOFTWARE -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 28 Aug 1997 15:30:36 -0400
Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous managers in every
profession. No matter what business you're in, you should,
as you pointed out, get things in writing. I wouldn't go so far as to
say "don't trust anyone" because being bitter isn't good for your
health (at least not for mine ;-). Business sense is usually sufficient,
although I'm sure plenty of folks have "if only I knew then what I
know now" stories. I know I do.
>-----Original Message-----
>[AP] ...
> I thought I'd give my own
>version of a "Here's what happened when I got outta grad school and became a
>tech writer" tale.
>[AP] ...
>As an aside, I look upon those first unsuccessful interviews, however, as
>pretty telling forays into the world of 'corporate tunnel vision.'
>[AP] ...
>Here's where the horror stories come in. Because it was my first real job
>outside of academia, I got suckered. Big-time suckered.
>[AP] ...
>I was hired with the understanding that I would receive health insurance.
>[AP] ...
>I was hired with the understanding that after a three month probationary
>period, my salary would increase by five thousand dollars. [AP] ...
>I was hired with the understanding that I would be 'senior' writer [AP] ...
>[AP] ...
>Moreover, I=92m sick of the shit that employers pull with writers =96=
> mostly,
>the anti-intellectual bias and the unwillingness to accept the fact that a
>well-educated writer is oftentimes superb problem solver.
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