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This is the third year in which the Israel
Chapter of the STC is conducting a nationwide Technical Publications Competition.
The competition, which is open to all, is an opportunity to gain the recognition
that you deserve by having your work judged by fellow professionals. Regardless
of whether you win an award, the experience and feedback is well worth
the cost (enter amount of fee) and paperwork. Below are five reasons why
you should enter.
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Surprise:
Very few companies expect to win awards or formal recognition
for their documentation. If and when you win an award, others in your
company are surprised to find out how good their documentation has
become.
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Recognition:
Winning an award provides valuable recognition of the achievements
of both you and your company. For your company, the award adds enhances
its image as reliable and quality conscious company. The increased
complexity of modern products has brought with it an awareness that
utilization of product features depends on clear and accurate documentation.
Winning an STC award helps assure customers that they will be able
to maximize use of your products. For you, the award marks you as
a top professional and increases the value placed on your contribution
to the company. Even if you do not win an award, the fact that such
awards do exist adds to the professional image of Tech Writers within
the organization. Your willingness to hold your documents up to professional
review is often
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Feedback:
This is the most compelling reason to enter a competition. At least
three different Technical Writers systematically review your work
and rate each aspect of the document. Many judges also add detailed
comments and recommendations. When you act on feedback that you receive
to improve your documents, no one asks or even cares how you got results
(better documentation). What everyone does see is the added value
that you bring to bear.
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Professional
Review: In most companies, the people managing Technical Writers
come from another field of expertise and feel ill-equipped to evaluate
them properly. Having your work judged by professionals helps management
evaluate you as a professional. Regardless of whether you win an award,
the act of entering your work into a competition is generally seen
as a sign of professionalism. Judges remarks make it easier to define
measurable targets for improving the quality of your work. These same
remarks also make it easier for you to meet these targets.
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Advancement:
Last , but not least, all of the above help you advance. Raising
expectations allows you to effectively change your job description
to include additional responsibility. This in turn makes it easier
for your boss to justify a raise or promotion. In the final analysis,
the positive changes that you bring and the value placed on your professional
abilities play a role in determining the outcome of salary reviews.
About the Author
Svi Ben-Elya began
his Technical Writing career in 1983 and is currently the Sr. Technical
Writer for the eSafe product line at Aladdin Knowledge Systems. Since
entering the Israel Chapter's first Technical Documentation Competition
in 1998-99, Svi has won 6 different STC awards in Israel, Europe, and
the United States.
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