These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
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)
The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as .
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
> techwr-l-
> or visit
> http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/kerstin.peterson%40gmail.com
>
>
> To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-
>
> Send administrative questions to . Visit
> http://www.techwr-l.com/ for more resources and info.
>
> Please move off-topic discussions to the Chat list, at:
> http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/listinfo/techwr-l-chat
>
>


--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
http://www.doctohelp.com

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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
http://www.doctohelp.com

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)
The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as .
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
> techwr-l-
> or visit
> http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/kerstin.peterson%40gmail.com
>
>
> To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-
>
> Send administrative questions to . Visit
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>
> Please move off-topic discussions to the Chat list, at:
> http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/listinfo/techwr-l-chat
>
>


--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
http://www.doctohelp.com

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)
I would agree. I ask lots of questions everywhere else before I knock on an SME's door.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:10 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

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)
The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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)
I would agree. I ask lots of questions everywhere else before I knock on an SME's door.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:10 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as .
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
> techwr-l-
> or visit
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--
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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> confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email,
> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
>
> *****************************************************************************************************************************************
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as .
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
I would agree. I ask lots of questions everywhere else before I knock on an SME's door.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:10 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
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>
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--
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
>
> *****************************************************************************************************************************************
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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--
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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> confidential. If you are not the intended recipient of this email,
> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
>
> *****************************************************************************************************************************************
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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>


--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as .
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
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> or visit
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
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)
I would agree. I ask lots of questions everywhere else before I knock on an SME's door.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:10 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as .
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
> techwr-l-
> or visit
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>


--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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)
I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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>
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> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
>
> *****************************************************************************************************************************************
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
>
> *****************************************************************************************************************************************
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
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>


--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
Yes, but they the baby grows up and ships. That's when the fun begins. ;-)


________________________________________________________________

Michelle Viña-Baltsas
Senior Technical Writer


Tel: 201-995-8350
m.vina-

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL.This email may contain confidential and
proprietary material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any
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the intended recipient please contact the sender and delete all copies.



"Cardimon, Craig"
Sent by: techwr-l-bounces+m.vina-baltsas=
07/13/2011 09:26 AM

To
'Kerstin Peterson' <>,
"'techwr-'"
cc

Subject
RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs






It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf
Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is
sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig
wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of
Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use
of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person
responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that
reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking
of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify
us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as ccardimon@m-s-g.com.
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
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>
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
> Information contained in this e-mail transmission is privileged and
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> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
>
>
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
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> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

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)
The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
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)
I would agree. I ask lots of questions everywhere else before I knock on an SME's door.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:10 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
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)
I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
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> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
>
> *****************************************************************************************************************************************
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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--
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
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>
> *****************************************************************************************************************************************
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> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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)
Yes, but they the baby grows up and ships. That's when the fun begins. ;-)


________________________________________________________________

Michelle Viña-Baltsas
Senior Technical Writer


Tel: 201-995-8350
m.vina-

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL.This email may contain confidential and
proprietary material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any
review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited. If you are not
the intended recipient please contact the sender and delete all copies.



"Cardimon, Craig"
Sent by: techwr-l-bounces+m.vina-baltsas=
07/13/2011 09:26 AM

To
'Kerstin Peterson' <>,
"'techwr-'"
cc

Subject
RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs






It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf
Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is
sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig
wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of
Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use
of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person
responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that
reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking
of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify
us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as ccardimon@m-s-g.com.
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
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*****************************************************************************************************************************************
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> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
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>
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
Doc-To-Help.
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
The engineer might be interested in your input if you can get involved in the project early enough in the process.
If you want to propose design changes after several test cycles, you have to accept that the engineer 
might not be able to address your suggestions until the next version.
 
------------------------------------------------------------
Ruth Sessions
603/886-7355


________________________________
From: "Cardimon, Craig"
To: 'Kerstin Peterson' <>; "'techwr-'"
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:24 AM
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited.  If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter.  Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

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)
The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
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)
I would agree. I ask lots of questions everywhere else before I knock on an SME's door.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:10 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as .
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
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--
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)
I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
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> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
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)
It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
Yes, but they the baby grows up and ships. That's when the fun begins. ;-)


________________________________________________________________

Michelle Viña-Baltsas
Senior Technical Writer


Tel: 201-995-8350
m.vina-

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL.This email may contain confidential and
proprietary material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any
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"Cardimon, Craig"
Sent by: techwr-l-bounces+m.vina-baltsas=
07/13/2011 09:26 AM

To
'Kerstin Peterson' <>,
"'techwr-'"
cc

Subject
RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs






It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf
Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is
sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig
wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of
Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use
of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person
responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that
reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking
of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify
us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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)
The engineer might be interested in your input if you can get involved in the project early enough in the process.
If you want to propose design changes after several test cycles, you have to accept that the engineer 
might not be able to address your suggestions until the next version.
 
------------------------------------------------------------
Ruth Sessions
603/886-7355


________________________________
From: "Cardimon, Craig"
To: 'Kerstin Peterson' <>; "'techwr-'"
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:24 AM
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited.  If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter.  Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
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> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
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)
I've grown to detest the moniker "SME" as it takes the human
completely out of the equation.

Here are some real tips:

1) The "SME" is a human being who was tasked to deliver a portion of
the overall project, just like you were with the documentation.
2) The "SME" generally has interests outside the project and more
often than not enjoys conversation with other co-workers and project
team members. Try it sometime.
3) Both you and the "SME" have the same interests in mind. Both of you
will put the user first, but in your hearts you know you're excited
about the next paycheck.
4) The "SME" may not be a SME about much of anything. They may know
less about the user than you do. They might be a SME in C# or other
such technology, but might have developed a feature per spec. Make
sure you determine your SME's level of SME.
5) Don't catch your "SME" off-guard. First contact should be
scheduled. It's only polite, as they have work to do, and you know how
much you hate getting interrupted when under deadline. If you both hit
it off and they say to drop in any time, do so, even if just to ask
about their weekend.
6) Ask the "SME" for their opinion, not on what you should document or
write, but how they think the user will like the feature. You may find
the differences between the answers to "how does it work" and "how do
you think they'll like it" astonishing.

Golden rule is that you're all on the same team with the same goal,
and you're all fairly intelligent human beings. Teamwork starts and
ends with relationships. Make yours matter.

On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon
<> wrote:
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Bill Swallow

Twitter: @techcommdood
Blog: http://techcommdood.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood
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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





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)
The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
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)
I would agree. I ask lots of questions everywhere else before I knock on an SME's door.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:10 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
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--
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)
I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
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> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
> immediately notify the sender by telephone or email reply.
>
> *****************************************************************************************************************************************
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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>
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> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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>


--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
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)
Yes, but they the baby grows up and ships. That's when the fun begins. ;-)


________________________________________________________________

Michelle Viña-Baltsas
Senior Technical Writer


Tel: 201-995-8350
m.vina-

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL.This email may contain confidential and
proprietary material for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any
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the intended recipient please contact the sender and delete all copies.



"Cardimon, Craig"
Sent by: techwr-l-bounces+m.vina-baltsas=
07/13/2011 09:26 AM

To
'Kerstin Peterson' <>,
"'techwr-'"
cc

Subject
RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs






It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf
Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is
sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig
wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of
Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use
of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person
responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that
reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking
of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify
us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as ccardimon@m-s-g.com.
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
> techwr-l-
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>
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
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> do not read, distribute or reproduce this transmission (including any
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>
>
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
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> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
Doc-To-Help.
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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)
The engineer might be interested in your input if you can get involved in the project early enough in the process.
If you want to propose design changes after several test cycles, you have to accept that the engineer 
might not be able to address your suggestions until the next version.
 
------------------------------------------------------------
Ruth Sessions
603/886-7355


________________________________
From: "Cardimon, Craig"
To: 'Kerstin Peterson' <>; "'techwr-'"
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:24 AM
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited.  If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter.  Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
> Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
> http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> ---
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as ccardimon@m-s-g.com.
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> attachments). If you have received this e-mail in error, please
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)
I've grown to detest the moniker "SME" as it takes the human
completely out of the equation.

Here are some real tips:

1) The "SME" is a human being who was tasked to deliver a portion of
the overall project, just like you were with the documentation.
2) The "SME" generally has interests outside the project and more
often than not enjoys conversation with other co-workers and project
team members. Try it sometime.
3) Both you and the "SME" have the same interests in mind. Both of you
will put the user first, but in your hearts you know you're excited
about the next paycheck.
4) The "SME" may not be a SME about much of anything. They may know
less about the user than you do. They might be a SME in C# or other
such technology, but might have developed a feature per spec. Make
sure you determine your SME's level of SME.
5) Don't catch your "SME" off-guard. First contact should be
scheduled. It's only polite, as they have work to do, and you know how
much you hate getting interrupted when under deadline. If you both hit
it off and they say to drop in any time, do so, even if just to ask
about their weekend.
6) Ask the "SME" for their opinion, not on what you should document or
write, but how they think the user will like the feature. You may find
the differences between the answers to "how does it work" and "how do
you think they'll like it" astonishing.

Golden rule is that you're all on the same team with the same goal,
and you're all fairly intelligent human beings. Teamwork starts and
ends with relationships. Make yours matter.

On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon
<> wrote:
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Bill Swallow

Twitter: @techcommdood
Blog: http://techcommdood.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood
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)
I like Bill Swallow's tips. The original tips were...somewhat
patronizing and, well, the only thing missing was a tip about brownies.
But I'm just an old curmudgeon.

Bill Swallow says:
> Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I've grown to detest the moniker "SME" as it takes the human
completely
> out of the equation.
>
> Here are some real tips:
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)

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Craig Cardimon
"The Duct Tape Writer"
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)
I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





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)
I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though, does it not?

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan Goldstein
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I respectfully disagree with:

"The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
looks at it anyway."

Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
to discussing the work.


-----Original Message-----
From: Craig Cardimon
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

These suggestions might help:

http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/





This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading, disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us, by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately thereafter. Thank you.

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)
The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
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)
I would agree. I ask lots of questions everywhere else before I knock on an SME's door.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:10 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

The most important thing about approaching SMEs, in my opinion, is to have
exhausted all other avenues for answers to your questions before you take up
their valuable time. SMEs think that tech writers ask dumb questions in the
first place (which we do, from their viewpoint), and asking a question that
makes it obvious that you haven't done your homework proves them right.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon <>wrote:

> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
> --
> Craig Cardimon
> "The Duct Tape Writer"
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with
> Doc-To-Help.
> Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
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>
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>
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--
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)
I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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--
Kerstin Day Peterson
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)
It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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)
Yes, but they the baby grows up and ships. That's when the fun begins. ;-)


________________________________________________________________

Michelle Viña-Baltsas
Senior Technical Writer


Tel: 201-995-8350
m.vina-

STRICTLY PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL.This email may contain confidential and
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"Cardimon, Craig"
Sent by: techwr-l-bounces+m.vina-baltsas=
07/13/2011 09:26 AM

To
'Kerstin Peterson' <>,
"'techwr-'"
cc

Subject
RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs






It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf
Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is
sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig
wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of
Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use
of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person
responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that
reading,
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of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited. If you have received this message by mistake, please notify
us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter. Thank you.
>
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)
The engineer might be interested in your input if you can get involved in the project early enough in the process.
If you want to propose design changes after several test cycles, you have to accept that the engineer 
might not be able to address your suggestions until the next version.
 
------------------------------------------------------------
Ruth Sessions
603/886-7355


________________________________
From: "Cardimon, Craig"
To: 'Kerstin Peterson' <>; "'techwr-'"
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:24 AM
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

It is their baby. We always think our own baby is cute and adorable.

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Kerstin Peterson
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:14 AM
To: techwr-
Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I think the point here that is not quite being made is that the SME
(assuming it is the engineer that developed the product, which is sometimes
not true) feels that the product is easy to understand, because s/he does.



On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 9:08 AM, Cardimon, Craig wrote:

> I would also tend to disagree with it. It makes for discussion, though,
> does it not?
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s- [mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-] On Behalf Of Dan
> Goldstein
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:04 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I respectfully disagree with:
>
> "The SME assumes that the project was programmed in a way that everyone
> should be able to understand it without documentation, since no one
> looks at it anyway."
>
> Those two generalizations about SMEs are often false, and they're also
> contradictory. I would never project those attitudes onto an SME prior
> to discussing the work.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Craig Cardimon
> Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 8:20 AM
> To: techwr-
> Subject: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/
>
>
>
>
>
> This message contains confidential information intended only for the use of
> the addressee(s). If you are not the addressee, or the person responsible
> for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that reading,
> disseminating, distributing, copying, electronic storing or the taking of
> any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
> prohibited.  If you have received this message by mistake, please notify us,
> by replying to the sender, and delete the original message immediately
> thereafter.  Thank you.
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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--
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)
I've grown to detest the moniker "SME" as it takes the human
completely out of the equation.

Here are some real tips:

1) The "SME" is a human being who was tasked to deliver a portion of
the overall project, just like you were with the documentation.
2) The "SME" generally has interests outside the project and more
often than not enjoys conversation with other co-workers and project
team members. Try it sometime.
3) Both you and the "SME" have the same interests in mind. Both of you
will put the user first, but in your hearts you know you're excited
about the next paycheck.
4) The "SME" may not be a SME about much of anything. They may know
less about the user than you do. They might be a SME in C# or other
such technology, but might have developed a feature per spec. Make
sure you determine your SME's level of SME.
5) Don't catch your "SME" off-guard. First contact should be
scheduled. It's only polite, as they have work to do, and you know how
much you hate getting interrupted when under deadline. If you both hit
it off and they say to drop in any time, do so, even if just to ask
about their weekend.
6) Ask the "SME" for their opinion, not on what you should document or
write, but how they think the user will like the feature. You may find
the differences between the answers to "how does it work" and "how do
you think they'll like it" astonishing.

Golden rule is that you're all on the same team with the same goal,
and you're all fairly intelligent human beings. Teamwork starts and
ends with relationships. Make yours matter.

On Wed, Jul 13, 2011 at 8:19 AM, Craig Cardimon
<> wrote:
> These suggestions might help:
>
> http://morespecifically.wordpress.com/2011/07/13/play-nice-with-an-sme/

--
Bill Swallow

Twitter: @techcommdood
Blog: http://techcommdood.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/techcommdood
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)
I like Bill Swallow's tips. The original tips were...somewhat
patronizing and, well, the only thing missing was a tip about brownies.
But I'm just an old curmudgeon.

Bill Swallow says:
> Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I've grown to detest the moniker "SME" as it takes the human
completely
> out of the equation.
>
> Here are some real tips:
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)
In my experience, all of Bill Swallow's tips were spot on. However, I
feel obliged to defend the Brownie Method. I myself can be easily bribed
with dessert, and so can most of my friends and colleagues.


-----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Arrants
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 9:57 AM
To: Bill Swallow; Craig Cardimon
Cc: techwr-
Subject: RE: Tips on how to talk to SMEs

I like Bill Swallow's tips. The original tips were...somewhat
patronizing and, well, the only thing missing was a tip about brownies.
But I'm just an old curmudgeon.

Bill Swallow says:
> Subject: Re: Tips on how to talk to SMEs
>
> I've grown to detest the moniker "SME" as it takes the human
completely
> out of the equation.
>
> Here are some real tips:




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)