... and don't mind my writing, please check out a couple of articles I've written for Linux.com.
The Big Tent of Open Source has Room for Anarchists, Intelligence Agencies and Businesses Alike
and
The Non-Babble Intro to Cloud Computing on Linux
</shamelessselfpromotion>
News, articles, and reviews for technical communicators, presented by the STC Australia Chapter.
14 March 2013
09 March 2013
Should you ever give your words away?
As a guy who sometimes (i.e. right now) blogs for free, I was interested to come across this article, in which Columbia Journalism Review editor Ann Friedman makes the case that sometimes, it is OK to write for free.
I am, obviously, with her. I write full time for a living. I also write the odd article for a little extra dough. But the STC Australia Chapter blog is purely on a volunteer basis. I am not even sure that anyone actually reads this stuff. (Hi Dad!)
Do you have a strong position on the issue?
I am, obviously, with her. I write full time for a living. I also write the odd article for a little extra dough. But the STC Australia Chapter blog is purely on a volunteer basis. I am not even sure that anyone actually reads this stuff. (Hi Dad!)
Do you have a strong position on the issue?
28 February 2013
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?
"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?
22 February 2013
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!
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!
20 February 2013
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"...
"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"...
19 February 2013
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.
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.
18 February 2013
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"
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"
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