...... and how they want to be helped. Then provide this assistance. Help the user do what they are trying to do. Don't just tell them what the product can do' a help system is only helpful if it addresses the users' needs. 7) Treat everyone as a customer. Then manage their expectations and your commitments. Always ensure they know what you're doing. Tell them when you'll be finished. And pull out all stops to meet your deadline.
8) Provide a surrogate user testing mechanism for the development team ' providing usability feedback.
9) Work as hard as required to get good quality doco finished on time and to budget ' this is how you'll get the satisfaction out of work that you need.
10) Have fun with it.
Don't become jaded and cynical by the high-tech, harsh, uncaring IT world. Use your smarts, and make the most of the resources provided. Most importantly of all, make work satisfaction your number 1 goal. It's the best way to stay happy and get ahead.
Glenn Murray heads advertising copywriting studio Divine Write. He can be contacted on Sydney +612 4334 6222 or at glenn@divinewrite.com">glenn@divinewrite.com. Visit http://www.divinewrite.com
