A tech Writer rejoins the work force

Mundane Pointless Stuff I Must Share (MPSIMS)
#1

Well it’s another “I got a job!” thread. I see that stofsky has rejoined the working class as well but I didn’t want to steal his thread.

I’ll be working for EDS, or as my Dad calls it, the evil empire. My dad worked for GM and I guess there’s a little ill history between the two companies. My dad is mostly kidding though since his sister works for EDS as well. I’ll be documenting 3-d modeling software. I can only hope it doesn’t turn into a job like Scott Evil’s or gives me a starring role in a Dilbert cartoon.

But for the moment, everyone on my team is very friendly and all is right with the world.

#2

EDS? You mean Ross Perot’s company?

I heard the pay kicks ass around there…

Hey, I’m a tech writer… how can I sign up? :wink:

#3

Another tech writer?

Sheesh… :wink:

  • s.e.
#4

Auntie, I’m not sure if ole Ross is still involved that much with the company or not. The pay does kick ass but we do have to work with engineers and you know how they are… :stuck_out_tongue:

I don’t think they’ll be doing any more hiring for a bit, but if something comes up I’ll pass it along.

Scott, Come on man! I outed myself as a tech writer in your hello thread! :slight_smile:

#5

Oh. Believe me. I know how engineers are. No need to elaborate. :rolleyes:

  • s.e.
#6

  1. Usage standards. scott evil. No uppercase. Put it in your Style Guide. :wink:

  2. Did I really diss my job that much? I mean, when I do work, I kick ass. If you want, I’ll send you the links to the PDFs of the manuals I wrote all-by-my-little-self-thank-you-very-much. :wink:

  • s.e.
#7

Oh I am going to have to object. P&G eventually got me to use the word “leverage” as a verb but it required red hot pokers and a motivational speaker screaming “Think outside the box!” for sixteen hours straight. If you want me to abandon standard capitalization you’re going to have to show me a trademark or break out the thumb screws.

Nah, just the standard realization that the leaders of your company might not be as bright as they pretend to be. Keep your pdfs to yourself unless you want to read my stunning abstract of a robotic control language. It’s like a C++ manual with all the interesting parts edited out. :stuck_out_tongue:

#8

Showoff. :stuck_out_tongue:

  • s.e.
#9

EDS? EDS?! Ye gods, I hate that place (or at least the one in Madison, WI). Spent my last contract writing extensive step-by-step instructions on how to run a freaking perl script! And the brain-dead morons there still couldn’t get it right. Anyway, I’ve had bad experiences with them, but hopefully your outfit’s better.

Hey, have fun in the wild wonderful world of tech writing. If you like email discussions, there’s an email list on tech writing - head on over to raycomm.com to sign up. There’s lots of good resources there.

Best of luck,

Snicks, tech writer extraordinaire

#10

Another tech writer checking in.

Good luck in the new job, Blackclaw! May the engineers always be available for you and may your review documents be returned early with minimal changes.

Hey, maybe it would be an idea to start a “Engineers, here are a few hints on how we can all get along better” thread. I’m sure we can all think of things to suggest to them. :slight_smile:

#11

Congrats on the job, Blackclaw. I second Snickers’ recommendation to sign up for TECHWR-Ls; it’s a good list for getting help and advice.

And, Wow, there are a lot of other tech writers on this list.