FreeLists / webproducers / [webproducers] Re: Why managers will replace "web producers"

[Ari Feldman <outdoorminer2002@xxxxxxxxx>]

interesting. the term "producer" has been ambiguous since 1997
or so. i've held that title since but did 99% of what you
outlined below.

of the points you mentioned, having total responsibility for a
given project and the team's actions *but* not being able to
burn people for screwing around or institute change has and
continues to be one of the most frustrating aspects of the role.



--- Michael James Pinto <michaeljamespinto@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> --- Katherine Gray <kat@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > As we're hiring new producers and developing our training
> methodology, one of our advisors has
> > asked us to define what a good producer/project manager
> looks like. What are the qualities and
> > skills you all think define a good producer? 
> > I'll start:
> 
> I think producer seems to be a code word for a
> "manager who has the risks but not the power to
> make change". I blame books like the "Mythical
> Man Month" for the view of managers being equal
> to programmers, or even in supportng roles. This
> point of view played a direct role in many failed
> dot.bomb projects.
> 
> Here is my post dot.bomb qualifications:
> 
> 1. The ability to identify slackers and fire them.
> 2. The ability to smell BS a mile away.
> 3. Revolts against "not invented here".
> 4. If managing programmers, should have programmed
>    in the past.
> 5. Attention to detail.
> 6. Can write worth a damn.
> 7. Can say "NO" but not piss off.
> 8. Knows how to research.
> 9. Knows how to say "I don't know the answer to that,
>    but I'll find out."
> 10. Won't build a Ferrari when you need a Honda Civic.
> 11. Can explain the technical in plain English 
>     sans buzz words but not be patronizing.
> 12. Can track a project without a "management program".
> 13. Can take good notes.
> 14. Proactively organizes, but not goldbricking.
> 15. Calls the client before the client calls them.
> 16. Understands the need for QA.
> 17. Understands "critical path".
> 18. Doesn't procrastinate.
> 19. Stops mission creep.
> 20. Get it in writing, put it in writing.
> 
> I submit the above is not a "producer" but is a 
> classic description of a manager. I will never hire
> a "web producer" or create a job with that description.
> Like the job title "webmaster" what web producers did 
> will evolve into different roles. 
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> =====
> Michael James Pinto | http://www.vm.com | http://www.anime.com
> 
> 
> Upgrade to Clark: http://www.clark04.com |
> http://www.nyforclark.com
> 
> Join my list on the arts & technology:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EIA_list
>
__________________________________________________________________________
> To unsubscribe send a blank message with unsubscribe in the
> subject to webproducers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> 
> To access our webform to subscribe, unsubscribe, and manage
> your subscription (digest and vacation)  visit 
> www.WebProducers.org. 
> 
> The WPO list is a public discussion forum with a public
> archive at www.WebProducers.org. Be sure to trim your posts
> and delete personal information such as telephone numbers if
> you do not want them as part of the archive.
> 

=====
--------------------------------------------
  --------- www.arifeldman.com ---------
--------------------------------------------

__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing.
http://photos.yahoo.com/
__________________________________________________________________________
To unsubscribe send a blank message with unsubscribe in the subject to 
webproducers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx

To access our webform to subscribe, unsubscribe, and manage your subscription 
(digest and vacation)  visit  www.WebProducers.org. 

The WPO list is a public discussion forum with a public archive at 
www.WebProducers.org. Be sure to trim your posts and delete personal 
information such as telephone numbers if you do not want them as part of the 
archive.