Bill Benedon writes:
" But it is still the individual, his/her dedication and understanding of 
RIM that provides the real competitive edge and position in our respective 
organizations."

Well said Bill (I hope we get to meet in person some day!)

Hey gang - I started out in 1978 as a microfilm camera operator working the 
night shift in an old worn-down office building where I had to chase 
cockroaches off my desk to sit down and eat my lunch. It was not the 
basement, but it should have been. I worked my way out of micrographics and 
into records management. (And yes I started out as a liberal arts major 
too).

I've worked on mainframe computer systems (Honeywell & IBM), operated a 
Prime Minicomputer that ran one of the first ever CAR systems for microfilm 
retrieval, and had one of the first IBM PCs in my company on my desk.  We 
only had Basic at the time. Technology is my first love, but the ability to 
leverage technology as a tool to perform records management and compliance 
activities is what I find empowering.

Although I currently report within our legal team, I work with our 
Technology (IT) folks daily. I am not just on the project team that is 
selecting and will implement our email archiving tool, I lead it. I manage 
all our email searches (we are heavily litigated). As far as the selection 
of our ERM, that is also my project to lead.

I can say with certainty that my position as corporate records manager is 
viewed as professional. I am not in the basement - I sit on the top floor 
(kinda back in the corner though - my choice it is quieter here).

What I am trying to say - and I think Patrick and others have said this as 
well - you are what you make yourself. Don't complain, moan, or groan. Turn 
this around - you sell a service. Your company pays you (buys) your service. 
Be positive and professional.

View the changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Rules 16 & 26) as 
an opportunity. There's a door opening for you with your legal and IT 
staffs. You need to go through it.

Wishing you all the best on a dry Seattle afternoon.
Rock on!
Sharon Burnett
PS Peace love & Porsches!

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