The author of our Windows 98 test. Elaine is also the author of the Microsoft Project 98 Bible. She has also authored and co-authored over 25 other books on various software products.

The Spotlight is on Elaine Marmel's Microsoft Project 98 Bible.

RN: Please tell us a little about yourself.

ELAINE: I am President of Marmel Enterprises, Inc., an organization that specializes in technical writing and software training. I spend most of my time writing and have authored and co-authored over 25 books about software products, including Windows 98, Microsoft Project, Word for Windows, Word for the Mac, Excel, Quicken for Windows, Quicken for DOS, 1-2-3 for Windows, and Lotus Notes. I also am a contributing editor to Inside Peachtree for Windows and Inside QuickBooks for Windows, monthly magazines. On the "hobbies" side, I sing barbershop harmony.

RN: what did you enjoy most about writing your Windows 98 test?

ELAINE: I enjoyed the opportunity to research and test to ensure the accuracy of the test. I think taking a test should be a learning experience, and I found that writing the test was a learning experience.

RN:How did you first get involved in writing technical books?

ELAINE: I support Timeslips, a time & billing package. Although I have fairly extensive knowledge of the product, I believe you can always learn something new. I saw a book advertised by a publisher and called to order it. It seemed the publisher was having trouble getting the book written - and I asked how one becomes a technical writer for that publisher. The rest is history.

RN: Tell us about your latest book.

ELAINE: I just finished the Essential Word 2000 Book, published by Prima, and I'm currently revising the Project 98 Bible, published by IDG, for the next release of Microsoft Project, which looks rather exciting.

RN: What advice would you give to someone learning your discipline? Are there significant barriers to learning about this subject?

ELAINE:To learn any discipline, you must learn "the language" of the discipline. And, I realize that techno-babble can be difficult. Read, and test. But test safely - back up before you make changes, and document the steps you take, just in case you find that you need the help of a professional to get you out of trouble.

RN: Please share your thoughts with us on the role that ReviewNet evaluations play in hiring IT professionals.

ELAINE: I think the tests are a great idea, particularly since the technology industry has no rules in place governing competency. However, the test should not be used as the only measure; some people test very poorly, while others test extremely well. The test can serve as another source to confirm information you have about a candidate.

RN: How did you design your ReviewNet test to help eliminate IT hiring mistakes?

ELAINE: For basic questions, I focused on testing knowledge that anyone claiming to know the software should have. If your applicant misses a significant number of basic questions, I'd be concerned and want to do considerable digging before hiring. For intermediate questions, I focused on testing knowledge that someone who has "played with" the software would have. If your applicant misses a significant number of intermediate questions, I would suspect that they don't have a lot of "hands on" experience. I considered advanced questions as "gravy." If you get someone who can correctly answer a significant number of advanced questions, you've probably got a "nerd" on your hands.