atw: Interim work/retraining/up skillings


Andrea said>> To make matters worse, the level of commitment to the
societies has been falling off. I'm guessing that it's due to the
pressures of more work for less pay; technical communicators don't have
a lot of time or energy left to even attend meetings, let alone take an
active part in running things. To some extent, that's self defeating;
members of the Societies of Editors are under the same pressures, but
they recognise the value of peer interaction. (Editing is probably an
even more solitary activity than tech writing.)

We need some real value added in tough times to make membership viable.
Which is why I am TRYING to collate a genuinely helpful kit of 'between
contracts' resources. If we were not flat strap sourcing work and
demoralised when there is not enough - then we may well rediscover out
generosity button.  It is hard to be generous when the world feels mean.

It is also worth considering that maybe editors have not been under the
same level of pressure as contract corporate writers.  It is worth our
while to generate some information on industry sub sectors and
geographical areas that seem to be doing better than others.  My
personal experience is that editing is more viable for home based
businesses, and more likely to generate base levels of income for
freelance businesses than technical writing.  Another observation, not
yet confirmed, is that Canberra writers do not seem as work stressed as
Melbourne writers - these are all worth looking at so we can provide
suggestions for people who are multi-skilled or flexible.

So in the meanwhile, my document is starting to shape up well in theory,
but needs much more factual input.  I will generate some questions I
need answered during the day - and hopefully I will have something worth
publishing in a day or two.

Stay tuned for the questions.

ck

Notice:
The information contained in this e-mail message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege.  If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this e-mail is unauthorised.  If you have received
this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail
and delete all copies of this transmission together with any attachments.


**************************************************
To post a message to austechwriter, send the message to 
austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

To subscribe to austechwriter, send a message to 
austechwriter-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "subscribe" in the Subject field.

To unsubscribe, send a message to austechwriter-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 
"unsubscribe" in the Subject field.

To search the austechwriter archives, go to 
www.freelists.org/archives/austechwriter

To contact the list administrator, send a message to 
austechwriter-admins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
**************************************************

Other related posts: