atw: Re: FW: ASTC

On 22/10/08 03:25 PM, Ana Young wrote:

I think that the point is being somewhat missed.

Let us see...

1) Is a Vet (or a GP) a good vet (or GP) just because they have a degree? I 
most certainly say no.

2) Are there people with no qualifications that can treat animals (or people) 
well? I say yes.

3) Would I take my sick animals (or myself) to someone that is not official 
recognised as being qualified? Absolutely not.

4) Do I have to pay for the privilege of being seen by a qualified person? 
Indeed I do.



I don't think this is an appropriate analogy: GPs and vets can
cause physical harm and suffering, and even death. Also, the
training to become a veterinarian or GP is arduous -- no one
without the proper training can effectively work in the medical
profession.

OTOH, the consequences of having an "unqualified" technical
writer are that you have bad product documentation, which
might be embarrassing but is not exactly life-threatening.
Plus, many successful and highly skilled technical communicators
were never formally trained to work in the field but thanks to
years of experience now do their jobs well and professionally.

I think the answer to incompetent or amateur technical
communicators being hired over trained professionals is
not a set of initials but instead an education program
aimed at prospective employers that describes the benefits
of good technical documentation done by an experienced
technical communicator with good references and samples.

-- Janice

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Janice Gelb          | The only connection Sun has with
janice.gelb@xxxxxxx  | this message is the return address

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