Dear Muse: Real Advice for Real People (Sorta)
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Muse, the inspiration that motivates a poet, artist, or thinker.
Dear
Muse,
My SME won't talk to me. I've asked her to review my installation guide
three times in the last two weeks. She always says she will, but that's
the last I hear of it. The other day in the hall I saw her duck into the
men's bathroom just to avoid running into me. Her feedback determines
whether a useful book goes out the door. What can I do?
Snubbed
Dear Snubbed,
You know that your SME's feedback is important to your users, but does
she know that? The Muse recommends a direct approach.
Explain to
the SME that without her feedback, there's no way to tell if the installation
guide is accurate. If it's wrong, users will call with questions. Customer
support costs will skyrocket. The company's reputation will be damaged
and you all might lose your jobs, and then you'll both be homeless and
competing for hand-outs on the same street corner in town....
Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic. Still, candor is called for. If she
doesn't listen the next time you ask her to review your book, follow her
into the men's room. Then she'll know you mean business.
Muse
