How does the brain process language?

I like Lifehacker. It, like anything, can be hit and miss. Today, though, they hit gold with this excellent article about how the human mind understands language.

Some cool takeaways: the 5 most persuasive words in the English language, the secret to effective questions that will produce useful answers, and the psychological impact of "is".

Check it out!

What's the point? Article 3: Promote Industry and Public Awareness about Technical Communications

In this third entry in the "What's the Point?" series, we'll look at article 3 of the STC Australia Chapter's charter:

"to promote industry and public awareness about technical communications and technical communicators within Australia"

This charter item requires some obvious questions be answered.  

Which industry should we be trying to reach? The industries that employ us? Those that don't, but could?

As for making the public more aware us us, why? I'll focus on industry awareness, because that is where I can see the upside.

If You Like Open Source...

... 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

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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?

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"...