atw: Re: was: Another "rates" query
- From: geoff@xxxxxxxxxxx
- To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2003 14:31:12 +1100
It can't be helped I suppose. For living in Queensland I must take some blame.
After having reviewed the thread, I feel that this post is 90% aimed at me.
Quoting NancyRose <nancyrose@xxxxxxxxxxx>:
> Now for my rant... feel free to turn off if you must.
> - It seems to me that many of you are quite happy to diss organisations such
> as the ASTC and comment on how they do nothing for you.
Actually, I said that ASTC(NSW) does nothing for me. I don't live in NSW. I'm
not looking for work in NSW. The ASTC(NSW) webmaster decided to try and
appropriate community work for the private benefit of members of ASTC(NSW).
That probably even excludes the members of ASTC(Vic). Not good.
Some people even say things like "...well go and make your own...". So with
the help of a few other interested parties, I did:
http://www.userdox.com/astcq/ We're not as sophisticated as other
organisations, but we are only small.
> - You comment that you do not want to pay a membership fee to an
> organisation because you do not feel you get enough in return.
If I paid a membership fee to ASTC(NSW) I would recieve a couple of
newsletters. $78 for what I already get free off the web isn't good. Seminars
are no good to me - I live almost 1000Kms from most of them.
> - You are quite happy to make suggestions on what others can do to help you.
Actually, this one must be amied at someone else. I don't recall making any
comments like this one.
> - You comment that you want this work done for you but want access to it
> even if you are not members.
I think it would be a great idea for this work to be done, but getting the
asutechwriter community to compile the content, and then prevent them from
viewing it is highly unethical.
> - You want access to the whole website.
I don't want access to any part of the ASTC(NSW) website.
>
> This website costs money! It is not free! There are people who voluntarily
> put in time and effort to keep it up-to-date. They do not charge for their
> time!
I know. http://www.userdox.com/astcq/ I pay for this. 100% of it. Out of my
own pocket. I also maintain it (what little it requires so far). What
volunteer work do you do to help promote the industry?
> The organisations you are talking about work on a give and take basis. There
> are a lot of volunteers who put in a lot of work. These people get no more
> out of the organisation than you (as a member) get. Many of these people are
> just trying to do their bit to add value to our field of work and yes...
> help you lot.
OK, this one is more general than targeted at me.
From what I've said above, you must know realise that I do that volunteer work,
specifically to help you lot.
> However, it is necessary to charge membership fees (which are quite low).
> These fees cover basics like the cost of sending you newsletters and hosting
> websites etc. etc. Ok, so maybe you are looking for something different from
> your organisation?
Actually, I want the same as you - Relevant information that is affordable.
Just remember, I don't live in NSW. No matter how cheap the seminars are that
ASTC(NSW) promotes become, they will still be too expensive when you include
airfares and accommodation. Remember, ASTC(NSW) is targeting technical
communicators who live and work in NEW SOUTH WALES.
> How about I make a suggestion? Instead of saying how the organisations do
> nothing for you, why don't you join up, put your thoughts as a member
> forward, give a little of your time and effort, and help to make the
> organisation what you think it should be.
I think I've already answered this one, but just in case... ASTC(NSW) is not
interested in me. I have spoken with them on several occasions and they cannot
justify spending *your* money to subsidise *me*. I understand that, and agree
with it. Consequently, I will join ASTC(NSW) when you have joined STC(Chicago
Chapter).
> I am sure that those who are already trying to make these organisations work
> would welcome more help and surely this would only serve to increase the
> attractiveness and effectiveness of the organisation as well as enhancing
> the ability of the organisation to get out there and heighten awareness in
> the general community.
You're right. I'd love to have your help in promoting the ASTC(Q). You can
send any ideas to me, or join the ASTC(Q) discussion list so everyone can hear.
> Everyone's talking about joining rather than dividing... we already have a
> place where you can do this... why don't you make use of it.
We don't already have a place for technical communicators in Australia. We
have a place for technical communicators in New South Wales, a place for
technical communicators in Victoria, and now a place for technical
communicators in Queensland. Feel free to be the driving force to create a
national body. I might even help you.
> These are my personal views, not those of any particular organisation.
>
> Also, I am not pointing the finger at anyone... I am simply responding to
> the feeling I am getting as a whole.
Not quite how I read it, but email is a notoriously bad communications medium -
we could both be wrong, both be right, or anywhere in between.
> Thanks very much
> Nancy
>
Just to make sure my point is fully understood:
- Having a national body is a great idea
- Having a list of ideas for between work members is a great idea
- Having that list appropriated and hidden away in a highly unethical manner
is really, really, wrong. If ASTC(NSW) compiles their own list and hides it
away, that is not unethical.
- ASTC(NSW) is a body that targets technical communicators who live and work
in NSW, not Queensland, not Northern Territory, not South Australia, not
Western Australia, not Tasmania, and not Victoria.
The description of Austechwriters from freelists.org:
This list is a forum for technical writers to discuss the theory and practice
of technical communication. The forum will become an archive of useful tips and
solutions regarding workflow queries, software usage, project planning,
documentation standards...indeed anything of relevance to the profession of
technical authoring.
Nowhere does it say that this is the discussion list for ASTC(NSW).
Regards,
Geoff
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