Training, Technical and Quality (TT&Q)

What is TT&Q all about?

Training, Technical and Quality (TT&Q) was developed in late 2021 and is a system that works solely on the development and betterment of all writers at The South African.

Training, as you know, is done before you start your journey with us to equip you with all the knowledge and tools for a successful experience.

Technical stands for the element whereby we identify and evaluate the latest tools to keep you pushing boundaries producing cutting-edge content and, most importantly, keeping on top of the latest trends.

The quality section focuses on the scoring of content via Google Sheet trackers. Each writer has a tracker with certain criteria on WordPress and SEO. This is how we track writers’ progress and make sure the quality of our website is upheld at all times…this includes consistency from style to greenlighting a keyword/keyphrase.   

Up to 10 articles from a particular writer, chosen at random, will be scored each week and each writer is expected to score 85% or more. Yes, this will earn you a green light and keep you in the “good books”, however, if you score less and earn yourself a red light three consecutive weeks in a row, you’re most likely in for a file note.

One of the additions to the Handbook is the File Note system. As we continue to grow, we all must do our part, and when we don’t, we need to be held accountable. The File Note system represents a written record of transgressions by individuals. Whilst it is not a written or verbal warning, it is a note, and repeated notes on the same topic will result in more serious action.

Below are a few examples that could get you a note:
●    You do not meet your weekly story count
●    You do not hit your weekly page view target
●    You do not comply with The South African Voice and Style Guide, ie failing the TT&Q score
●    You have an incomplete author profile with no bio and/or invalid links
●    You do not attend a meeting, without making an excuse to give adequate notice, i.e. at least 45 minutes before the meeting
You can read more about this process here.