The Old Tech Writer

Led the technical writing team, establishing standardized documentation processes and source control practices.

Cut documentation costs by 15% through single sourcing.

Built metric-based documentation review frameworks adopted across the department.

Managed documentation end-to-end — planning, writing, and maintenance — for eleven applications from a single content source over nine years.

Introduced print-on-demand and EPub publishing, reducing production costs and turnaround time.

Provided editorial support to Technical Support and Marketing/Sales teams.

Created documentation for FQHC medical practice management software using a single-source publishing system generating print, online, support, and interactive tutorials while meeting all dates and deliverables on time. Oversaw production of all documentation, including marketing and compliance documents. Saved 20% in costs by performing in-house printing and binding of documents. Managed one on-site and two off-site writers. Conducted sales force training on new features of software.

Created technical documentation for internal and external (partner) use, including white papers, programming /API references, and tutorials.

Designed and delivered online help for Cellular / PDA combos.

Directed the production of all internal and external documentation for an e-commerce/CRM company.

Managed multiple projects by setting project goals, allocating resources (8 direct reports), establishing deadlines, and monitoring progress.

Worked with QA and Development to put into place publishing systems that achieved measurably greater productivity.

Created and directed all content, tone, and style for Web site while overseeing all production. Oversaw a successful redesign and relaunch of the Web site in 1999, which included fresh content and user-driven articles and tutorials. Responsible for determining business strategy, hiring, staff development, and management of eight staff and numerous freelancers. Worked with senior editors of other CNET Web sites to schedule and determine content stories and with advertisers and agencies to better position and deliver advertisements. Analyzed Web ratings to determine content for audiences.

Designed and wrote documentation for internal proprietary software, including standards, practices, and procedures guidelines for CNET sites and CNET partner content. Trained over 300 staff members on internal software and procedures.

Directed 16 bi-coastal writers and editors, scheduling all documentation from design to distribution. Led a successful documentation redesign for online delivery. Modularized documentation, allowing for ease of reuse for different audiences and delivery mechanisms. Coordinated and implemented the transfer of documentation operations from New York to California, preparing documentation group for integration with a merger partner’s operations in Massachusetts.

Wrote end-user product documentation for AutoCAD and associated products.

Directed the design and migration of print documentation to online Help format.

Created online demos and tutorials for end-users.

Supervised and coordinated documentation group (20 direct reports in San Francisco and New Mexico) activities for all end-user and technical documentation on dictionary and grammar products.

Merged and transferred documentation operations in San Francisco and New Mexico to our merger partner in Utah, Word Perfect Corporation.

Wrote product documentation for end users.

User Education member on the Microsoft Online Help system, which was the foundation of online documentation systems used today.

Documented programming reference manuals for Microsoft Word, Word for Windows, and other products.