atw: Re: Extracting technical information from SMEs

  • From: "nigeldawes" <nigel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005 12:28:03 +1000

I agree, whole-heartedly, Peter...

With beers and a tape recorder you just can't go wrong.

Nigel

-----Original Message-----
From: austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Peter G Martin
Sent: Thursday, 13 October 2005 12:17 PM
To: Hope Debbie; austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: atw: Re: Extracting technical information from SMEs


Hope Debbie:
On Wed, 12 Oct 2005 21:20:00 -0400,  you wrote:
> Hi all
> Elementary question I know - but would still like to
> quiz the list......
>
> Am looking for latest hints, tips, and advice on how
> to approach, glean and drain the brains (!) of SME /
> highly technical and sometimes (!) reticent folks.
>
> Thanks in advance
> Debbie

Beer.

More Beer.

Further beer.

But don't then rely on memory or notes...

Worked once for me for the only SME who had been made
redundant, put on "consultancy", and who resented everything
anyone wanted to ask.       Tape recorder was very handy.


Meanwhile, I agree with Terry.    Write down even a wild version
of what you think might be the document to be used and ask them
to correct it.      Overlook the groans, sighs and looks of utter
contempt you get.        Most reluctant SMEs would rather correct
than initiate docs.

--Peter M


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