Waning volunteerism and the STC

Candidate for Board Director Ben Woelk has this to say as to why we should vote for him:

"The Society is facing tremendous challenges as it adapts to a culture where volunteerism is waning. I believe my ability to analyze problems and devise solutions, understand customer requirements, and willingness to make tough decisions will serve the Society well."

It seems like the STC generally is asking "what is the point?". A little soul searching is good, in my opinion. On of my colleagues said that "shortly after any organization is formed, its sole purpose becomes the continued existence of the organization".

The search for a reason to exist is what will keep the STC relevant to its members. 

How can the STC Australia Chapter be more relevant to you?

What's in a name?

I had some feedback on the name of our blog.

A potential member said that "Aussie Tech Writers Blog" seemed a little bit parochial. I figured I'd take it on board, and spice things up a bit at the same time.

I give you, "STC Australia Chapter Blog", which more clearly represents the nature of the blog. 

The STC Australia Chapter committee is thrilled to have any feedback what-so-ever on our efforts. Thank you, potential member!

What's the point? Article 2: Support participation from members, Australia-wide.

In this second entry of our introspective "whats the point" series, we'll explore article number 2 of the STC Australia Chapter's charter:

"to adopt strategies that support active participation by members, irrespective of their location throughout Australia."

This one is going to be a ripper. For some value of the term "ripper"...

25 things that technical writers could learn from journos

Check out this list of tips for journos, and you're sure to find that many of them apply to us too. Except for maybe:

6. And here is another thing to remember every time you sit down at the keyboard: a little sign that says "Nobody has to read this crap."

 In our case, somebody may indeed have to read this crap. Which might make the other 24 tips even more important.

What's the point? Article 1: Provide a forum.

Finally, the initial entry in our introspective series called "What is the point of the STC Australia Chapter?".

In my introductory post, I copy-pasted the STC Australia Chapter's charter.

Today, we'll look at article 1: "to provide a forum where Australian technical communicators can discuss their work"