Hey everyone,
This will be my last post on this blog. After the conference, or maybe during the conference, Howard is going to take over. I'm leaving tomorrow to go to the conference in Philadelphia. I am really looking forward to it. Mike has arranged for our booth to be shipped and we will staff it. He has even volunteered his wife to staff it some of the time! Thank you, Mike, and to your wife. The chapter really appreciates it.
Speaking of Mike, on Monday, Mike will be installed as the Society 2nd Vice President. On Tuesday, I will be at the banquet with a number of our chapter members to cheer as Mike becomes an STC Fellow. This is really a time for celebration for our chapter.
On Sunday, Howard, Holly, Jen, I and others will be on hand for Leadership Day and to receive our chapter's award as a Chapter of Excellence! This is an honor and is a result of some very hard work by numerous chapter members.
I have put on my list to attend several of our members' sessions. I know Debbie Doyle presents on Tuesday at 1:30 PM. I'm looking forward to, "So, You Can Write. But Can You Think?" It does sound intriguing. I present with the Lone Writers' Progression on Wednesday. If there are any of you presenting, let me know. I would like to attend as many member presentations as I can this year.
Looking through the schedule of presentations, I have highlighted at least 3 in each time frame. I don't know how I can choose. The list I have doesn't have presenters listed, so maybe that will be a way I can trim my list. There are many presenters I love to hear.
Anyway, as my last official duty as your chapter president, I would like to thank everyone involved in the chapter. This has been a wonderful, if sometimes difficult, year for me. I owe it to all of you.
Thanks for everything,
Al
Showing posts with label STC Atlanta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STC Atlanta. Show all posts
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Dates for STC Summit 2009 in Atlanta
I found out that the STC Summit in Atlanta in 2009 will be May 3 through 6, 2009. I think it is great that we are having the Summit in Atlanta. And it seems that it will be a recurring thing. As I understand it, the Summit will be on a rotating basis between several cities, which will include Atlanta. So every few years, Technical Communicators will be traveling back here to Atlanta!
Here is a link you should check out: http://stronglanguage.wordpress.com/2008/05/21/tell-about-the-south/. This link is from Steve Marshall. This link is about Atlanta and there is some interesting information in there. I will have to get some of these books.
Congratulations to Howard Speck, our new chapter president. Beginning in June, Howard will be posting to this blog, since he will take over as president June 1st.
It has been a long, wonderful, interesting year as chapter president. My last duty as chapter president will be attending the STC Summit in Philadelphia. (Although, technically, I will no longer be chapter president as of Leadership Day, June1.)
I will try to post more over the next few days.
Here is a link you should check out: http://stronglanguage.wordpress.com/2008/05/21/tell-about-the-south/. This link is from Steve Marshall. This link is about Atlanta and there is some interesting information in there. I will have to get some of these books.
Congratulations to Howard Speck, our new chapter president. Beginning in June, Howard will be posting to this blog, since he will take over as president June 1st.
It has been a long, wonderful, interesting year as chapter president. My last duty as chapter president will be attending the STC Summit in Philadelphia. (Although, technically, I will no longer be chapter president as of Leadership Day, June1.)
I will try to post more over the next few days.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
STC Atlanta Chapter Banquet
Wow! Has it really been that long since I last posted? I am really falling down on the job.
Anyway, this is important, so listen up: Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 PM, we are having our annual awards banquet at Maggiano's Italian Restaurant in the Perimeter area. You need to be there.
This banquet is where we honor the winners of our competitions and our volunteers. It is one of the last times I get to preside as your chapter president.
The food, in case you have never been to Maggiano's is excellent! (Much better than in year's past!) Even if you don't know anyone who is a competition winner, you need to be here! It is an excellent networking opportunity. There are many people present for this event that never show up at regular chapter meetings.
If you need more information and/or want to register for this event, go to: http://www.stcatlanta.org/banquet.htm.
If you have any questions about the event that this web link doesn't answer, please feel free to email me. If you can only go to one event this year, this is the event you need to go to. And you don't have to be a member to attend!
See you all there ...
Anyway, this is important, so listen up: Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30 PM, we are having our annual awards banquet at Maggiano's Italian Restaurant in the Perimeter area. You need to be there.
This banquet is where we honor the winners of our competitions and our volunteers. It is one of the last times I get to preside as your chapter president.
The food, in case you have never been to Maggiano's is excellent! (Much better than in year's past!) Even if you don't know anyone who is a competition winner, you need to be here! It is an excellent networking opportunity. There are many people present for this event that never show up at regular chapter meetings.
If you need more information and/or want to register for this event, go to: http://www.stcatlanta.org/banquet.htm.
If you have any questions about the event that this web link doesn't answer, please feel free to email me. If you can only go to one event this year, this is the event you need to go to. And you don't have to be a member to attend!
See you all there ...
Friday, December 28, 2007
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone!
It has been an interesting year. When this year started, I had no idea I would not be at EarthLink anymore. I did not know how difficult it was to run an STC Chapter. I did not know how difficult it was to get someone to run the chapter newsletter. I didn't know how difficult it was dealing with difficult people as a chapter president.
Now on to the new year. Do you make New Year's resolutions? I do sometimes and sometimes I don't. I believe, if I am not going to keep them, then why make them? Comment on this blog and let me know.
Here are some of my resolutions for this year:
It has been an interesting year. When this year started, I had no idea I would not be at EarthLink anymore. I did not know how difficult it was to run an STC Chapter. I did not know how difficult it was to get someone to run the chapter newsletter. I didn't know how difficult it was dealing with difficult people as a chapter president.
Now on to the new year. Do you make New Year's resolutions? I do sometimes and sometimes I don't. I believe, if I am not going to keep them, then why make them? Comment on this blog and let me know.
Here are some of my resolutions for this year:
- Play more golf!
- Help make this year's Currents conference the best conference ever!
- Find someone to run CommLink! Someone who will consistently put out monthly issues.
- Show appreciation to the wonderful people that help run our chapter!
- Thank my wife for allowing me the time to attend STC events and for supporting me in my position as chapter president.
- Figure out the best way to provide assistance to Howard (and the other officers) as he takes over as chapter president in June.
I'm sure I will have more over the next few days as the New Year approaches. Until I see you next year, I hope you and yours will have a wonderful New Year and that all of your resolutions will be easy to keep!
Until next time ...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Holiday Party was Great!
I hope you didn't miss the Holiday Party this past Tuesday night. If you did, you missed a great time and great food.
I want to thank Robert for putting this together, for finding the place, and the great door prizes. I want to thank Holly for the interesting and fun games we partook in. I want to thank Smoke Jack BBQ restaurant for the wonderful service and great food! And I want to thank everyone that came and brought a new toy! I don't have the exact number at this point, but I believe the Children's Restoration Network will be very happy!
I always enjoy seeing people again that I haven't seen in a while. And meeting spouses and children of those people I know through STC. I met Kathleen's husband for the first time (we talked golf - he's a high school golf coach!) and Debbie's daughter (what a sweety! Debbie, I know you must be proud!). Dirk and Michelle shared a table with me and my wife (Paulette). We also were a team for Jeopardy! We did fairly well, but need to brush up on Atlanta history.
My only regrets were that I didn't have more time to spend with each of you who attended. Thanks goes out to TechLinks for attending. I wish everyone could have attended. If you didn't, make plans to do so next year. It is one of those events that really make your holidays happier!
Until next time ...
I want to thank Robert for putting this together, for finding the place, and the great door prizes. I want to thank Holly for the interesting and fun games we partook in. I want to thank Smoke Jack BBQ restaurant for the wonderful service and great food! And I want to thank everyone that came and brought a new toy! I don't have the exact number at this point, but I believe the Children's Restoration Network will be very happy!
I always enjoy seeing people again that I haven't seen in a while. And meeting spouses and children of those people I know through STC. I met Kathleen's husband for the first time (we talked golf - he's a high school golf coach!) and Debbie's daughter (what a sweety! Debbie, I know you must be proud!). Dirk and Michelle shared a table with me and my wife (Paulette). We also were a team for Jeopardy! We did fairly well, but need to brush up on Atlanta history.
My only regrets were that I didn't have more time to spend with each of you who attended. Thanks goes out to TechLinks for attending. I wish everyone could have attended. If you didn't, make plans to do so next year. It is one of those events that really make your holidays happier!
Until next time ...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays to all of you and to your families,
I just wanted to take a moment of your time to wish you all Happy Holidays.
This time of the year makes me think of family and friends and fun! And, right now, I am thinking about our STC Atlanta family. I would like to personally invite all of you to the STC Atlanta Holiday Party. The party takes place next Tuesday, December 18, at Smoke Jack BBQ in Alpharetta which is located at 29 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30004. Their phone number is 770-410-7611. And here is their web address: http://www.smokejackbbq.com/.
This is an entirely social/networking event (there will be no speaker), so come prepared to mix, mingle, and have a good time. All you have to do is provide a new unwrapped toy, and we'll provide a full sit-down dinner! How can you beat that?
If you can't get a toy in time, just bring $10. This social event is for members and friends of members who want to tag along and learn more about STC Atlanta and its members.
As our Community Services Manager, Julie Brock says:
“Bring a Gift and Make a Difference
Children's Restoration Network (CRN) is holding its 13th annual 12 Days of Caring campaign this December to collect new toys, gifts, and clothing for over 1,900 children living in shelters and group homes in 18 counties around metro Atlanta. You can read more about CRN and its mission at www.childrn.org. Last year, STC Atlanta chapter members donated over thirty gifts to contribute to CRN’s campaign. This year we’re hoping for a repeat performance. Bring a gift to the December 18 holiday party at Smoke Jack BBQ in Alpharetta and we’ll waive the $10 entry fee.
Please bring gifts unwrapped so that CRN can make sure each gift goes to the child or teenager who will appreciate it the most.
Items needed
New toys, gifts, games, books, new clothing, shoes, winter clothing, cosmetics, ethnic dolls, CDs, alarm clocks, watches, sports equipment and clothing, jewelry, scrapbooks, baby items.
CRN typically receives more than they need for younger kids and less than they need for older kids. They especially need clothes in sizes XL to XXXL and shoes in sizes 9 to 12.”
So, please, come and enjoy a fun evening of food, fun, and networking! And you will be able to help a needy child at the same time.
Please RSVP to me by Monday morning, December 17, so we can be prepared with enough food and fun for everyone.
Again, I hope all of you have the happiest of Holiday Seasons, and I hope to see you there.
I just wanted to take a moment of your time to wish you all Happy Holidays.
This time of the year makes me think of family and friends and fun! And, right now, I am thinking about our STC Atlanta family. I would like to personally invite all of you to the STC Atlanta Holiday Party. The party takes place next Tuesday, December 18, at Smoke Jack BBQ in Alpharetta which is located at 29 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30004. Their phone number is 770-410-7611. And here is their web address: http://www.smokejackbbq.com/.
This is an entirely social/networking event (there will be no speaker), so come prepared to mix, mingle, and have a good time. All you have to do is provide a new unwrapped toy, and we'll provide a full sit-down dinner! How can you beat that?
If you can't get a toy in time, just bring $10. This social event is for members and friends of members who want to tag along and learn more about STC Atlanta and its members.
As our Community Services Manager, Julie Brock says:
“Bring a Gift and Make a Difference
Children's Restoration Network (CRN) is holding its 13th annual 12 Days of Caring campaign this December to collect new toys, gifts, and clothing for over 1,900 children living in shelters and group homes in 18 counties around metro Atlanta. You can read more about CRN and its mission at www.childrn.org. Last year, STC Atlanta chapter members donated over thirty gifts to contribute to CRN’s campaign. This year we’re hoping for a repeat performance. Bring a gift to the December 18 holiday party at Smoke Jack BBQ in Alpharetta and we’ll waive the $10 entry fee.
Please bring gifts unwrapped so that CRN can make sure each gift goes to the child or teenager who will appreciate it the most.
Items needed
New toys, gifts, games, books, new clothing, shoes, winter clothing, cosmetics, ethnic dolls, CDs, alarm clocks, watches, sports equipment and clothing, jewelry, scrapbooks, baby items.
CRN typically receives more than they need for younger kids and less than they need for older kids. They especially need clothes in sizes XL to XXXL and shoes in sizes 9 to 12.”
So, please, come and enjoy a fun evening of food, fun, and networking! And you will be able to help a needy child at the same time.
Please RSVP to me by Monday morning, December 17, so we can be prepared with enough food and fun for everyone.
Again, I hope all of you have the happiest of Holiday Seasons, and I hope to see you there.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Once more with feeling!
I can't believe it has been this long since my last post. Whew! too much going on! I have had seven interviews in the last three days. Almost too much to take in. Still unemployed, though I have some interesting prospects.
Much is happening in the world of STC Atlanta.
First, I would like to congratulate Dr. Michael Hughes for his nomination as 2nd VP for the Society! I hope all of you will join me in congratulating Mike and in supporting his candidacy! His expertise, foresight, and sense of humor will be an asset to the Board of Directors for the Society. He has been an academic and a working stiff, and will bring a unique perspective to the office. (And having a representative from the Atlanta chapter on the board will be cool!)
Our last chapter meeting was a joint meeting with the Atlanta interactive Marketing Association (AiMA). If you missed it, you missed an excellent panel. I know there were at least nine members of the chapter there. Several of them remarked as to how this was a great idea and opened up a side of technical communications that has long been ignored. If you are a consultant or independent contractor, you missed an opportunity to learn much about generating leads and the entire nurturing of leads process. Thanks to Robert for arranging this meeting.
Our next chapter meeting will be on Tuesday, November 20, and will be back at our usual location in the Mirant building in the Perimeter area. Please see our website for more information: www.stcatlanta.org. In this chapter meeting, Dr. Mike Hughes will present on "The Anatomy of a Help File: An Iterative Approach." Mike always provides very interesting presentations. So don't miss it!
Our Holiday party is coming up on December 18th. The details are being worked out by Robert as we speak. I will post the details as soon as they are available. But it will be a very festive affair and I look forward to seeing all of you there. It will be in Alpharetta and we will be supporting the same charity as last year. Julie Brock is handling this part of the party, but if you bring a new, unwrapped gift, the $10 cost of attending the event will be waived! What a great deal!
In January, Mark Wallis will present on "How to Run a Successful Pilot Project for DITA (or Any User Assistance Project)." Long title, but very useful and timely information. I know a lot of us are getting into DITA. Come and learn!
We have a tentative schedule for the rest of the chapter year that includes Scott Abel, the Content Wrangler; Paul McKeon; the Awards banquet in April; and much more. Stay tuned!
And don't forget the Currents conference! It is scheduled for March 14 and 15 at SPSU in Marietta. Check out the information at: http://www.stcatlanta.org/currents.htm. The Call for Presenters is currently available at: http://www.stcatlanta.org/currents08/callforpresenters.htm.
Do you have something you would like to present? Get out there and present! Send us a proposal!
Are you preparing a presentation for the STC Summit in June? What better way to rehearse your presentation than in front of a friendly Atlanta area audience?
If you have questions that aren't answered in the above links, contact our Currents conference manager, Dirk Bender.
Well, I hope to post on a more consistent time frame for the rest of the year. I hope to see some of you at Consensus Judging Day this Saturday. BTW, I would like to thank Roger Siegel and Macy's for allowing us the use of their facilities for this event.
Until next time!
Much is happening in the world of STC Atlanta.
First, I would like to congratulate Dr. Michael Hughes for his nomination as 2nd VP for the Society! I hope all of you will join me in congratulating Mike and in supporting his candidacy! His expertise, foresight, and sense of humor will be an asset to the Board of Directors for the Society. He has been an academic and a working stiff, and will bring a unique perspective to the office. (And having a representative from the Atlanta chapter on the board will be cool!)
Our last chapter meeting was a joint meeting with the Atlanta interactive Marketing Association (AiMA). If you missed it, you missed an excellent panel. I know there were at least nine members of the chapter there. Several of them remarked as to how this was a great idea and opened up a side of technical communications that has long been ignored. If you are a consultant or independent contractor, you missed an opportunity to learn much about generating leads and the entire nurturing of leads process. Thanks to Robert for arranging this meeting.
Our next chapter meeting will be on Tuesday, November 20, and will be back at our usual location in the Mirant building in the Perimeter area. Please see our website for more information: www.stcatlanta.org. In this chapter meeting, Dr. Mike Hughes will present on "The Anatomy of a Help File: An Iterative Approach." Mike always provides very interesting presentations. So don't miss it!
Our Holiday party is coming up on December 18th. The details are being worked out by Robert as we speak. I will post the details as soon as they are available. But it will be a very festive affair and I look forward to seeing all of you there. It will be in Alpharetta and we will be supporting the same charity as last year. Julie Brock is handling this part of the party, but if you bring a new, unwrapped gift, the $10 cost of attending the event will be waived! What a great deal!
In January, Mark Wallis will present on "How to Run a Successful Pilot Project for DITA (or Any User Assistance Project)." Long title, but very useful and timely information. I know a lot of us are getting into DITA. Come and learn!
We have a tentative schedule for the rest of the chapter year that includes Scott Abel, the Content Wrangler; Paul McKeon; the Awards banquet in April; and much more. Stay tuned!
And don't forget the Currents conference! It is scheduled for March 14 and 15 at SPSU in Marietta. Check out the information at: http://www.stcatlanta.org/currents.htm. The Call for Presenters is currently available at: http://www.stcatlanta.org/currents08/callforpresenters.htm.
Do you have something you would like to present? Get out there and present! Send us a proposal!
Are you preparing a presentation for the STC Summit in June? What better way to rehearse your presentation than in front of a friendly Atlanta area audience?
If you have questions that aren't answered in the above links, contact our Currents conference manager, Dirk Bender.
Well, I hope to post on a more consistent time frame for the rest of the year. I hope to see some of you at Consensus Judging Day this Saturday. BTW, I would like to thank Roger Siegel and Macy's for allowing us the use of their facilities for this event.
Until next time!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Where have I been?
Hello readers of this blog. I have been meaning to post to this blog and just haven't gotten around to doing it. I have been busy acclimating myself to the role of unemployed technical communicator. But I haven't been sitting around at home with nothing to do.
I have been performing my duties as STC Atlanta Chapter president. I have been to a board meeting for TCAB (Technical Communication Advisory Board for SPSU - I serve on the Communications committee). I have been to a meeting of the TCAB Communication Committee. I have been to the Parisian Soiree'. I have been to Florida 3 times in 6 weeks (Once for a wedding, once to plan a 40th birthday surprise party for our great-nephew, and finally to attend the surprise party.) I have had about 6 interviews (not all with the same company, although one of the companies had me interview with about nine different people - it was fun, though). I just hope I get one of these jobs soon! It is rough sitting around sending resumes, writing cover letters, waiting for calls for interviews, and going to interviews!
It doesn't seem it has been more than a month since my last post. I really apologize. It is taking more than I thought to acclimate to unemployment. And, my family seems to like my unemployed status! They give me things to do with my "long empty days." I mean, I don't have anything to do, so I can just do this or that for them! And, it is really not a big deal because I really do like to stay busy. (I'm not complaining Paulette!)
This is a short post. I will post more later today about STC Atlanta. There is much going on from the competitions, to the successful speaker recruitment for our Currents conference this nest March to a joint meeting tonight, and on and on! Stay tuned!
I have been performing my duties as STC Atlanta Chapter president. I have been to a board meeting for TCAB (Technical Communication Advisory Board for SPSU - I serve on the Communications committee). I have been to a meeting of the TCAB Communication Committee. I have been to the Parisian Soiree'. I have been to Florida 3 times in 6 weeks (Once for a wedding, once to plan a 40th birthday surprise party for our great-nephew, and finally to attend the surprise party.) I have had about 6 interviews (not all with the same company, although one of the companies had me interview with about nine different people - it was fun, though). I just hope I get one of these jobs soon! It is rough sitting around sending resumes, writing cover letters, waiting for calls for interviews, and going to interviews!
It doesn't seem it has been more than a month since my last post. I really apologize. It is taking more than I thought to acclimate to unemployment. And, my family seems to like my unemployed status! They give me things to do with my "long empty days." I mean, I don't have anything to do, so I can just do this or that for them! And, it is really not a big deal because I really do like to stay busy. (I'm not complaining Paulette!)
This is a short post. I will post more later today about STC Atlanta. There is much going on from the competitions, to the successful speaker recruitment for our Currents conference this nest March to a joint meeting tonight, and on and on! Stay tuned!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Reality Strikes
Reality is finally setting in. When I started this job at EarthLink, I was thinking that I would be here until I retired. It's not that many years! And now, with the layoff of 900+ employees, I am beginning to realize that I will be working somewhere else by retirement.
They say that every cloud has a silver lining, and as hard as this one has been to take, the silver lining is there. I realize how very lucky I am. I have a profession that I really enjoy and I don't think I will have any problem finding work. I have many, many friends who have called or emailed to offer their support and assistance in finding a new place to land. I have a very generous severance package that will give me the luxury of taking my time finding that perfect job! (Although it would be neat if I could get another job very quickly. Then I could invest the severance money so I would have something to fall back on or us for that vacation I would like to take!)
When I was initially told by my boss that I would be part of the layoff, I had assumed that the layoff was limited to the Municipal Networks business unit of EarthLink. Boy, was I wrong. 900+ people, which includes every technical writer in the company, both here in Atlanta, and in California and Tennessee. Some of them, like me, have a last day of September 14. Some, like STC Atlanta's newsletter editor, Paul, have until late November. And, still others, like Drew, have until the 21st of December.
Anyway, it is what it is and we just deal with it!
They say that every cloud has a silver lining, and as hard as this one has been to take, the silver lining is there. I realize how very lucky I am. I have a profession that I really enjoy and I don't think I will have any problem finding work. I have many, many friends who have called or emailed to offer their support and assistance in finding a new place to land. I have a very generous severance package that will give me the luxury of taking my time finding that perfect job! (Although it would be neat if I could get another job very quickly. Then I could invest the severance money so I would have something to fall back on or us for that vacation I would like to take!)
When I was initially told by my boss that I would be part of the layoff, I had assumed that the layoff was limited to the Municipal Networks business unit of EarthLink. Boy, was I wrong. 900+ people, which includes every technical writer in the company, both here in Atlanta, and in California and Tennessee. Some of them, like me, have a last day of September 14. Some, like STC Atlanta's newsletter editor, Paul, have until late November. And, still others, like Drew, have until the 21st of December.
Anyway, it is what it is and we just deal with it!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
STC Chapter Meeting
On the 21st of August, STC Atlanta held the monthly chapter meeting. Different about this meeting, other than the content, was the appearance of a friend that I hadn't seen in a few years. Sheila Gatlin was a fellow Master's student at SPSU. We shared several classes and collaborated on some projects. It wasa so nice seeing her and spending a little "networking" time discussing the old days and what is happening in her professional life now. This networking, in my opinion, is one of the really great things about STC chapter meetings.
Tonight there is another Happy Hour at Paizanos in Norcross.
"Join the Atlanta STC Chapter for happy hour (6 - 7 PM) on August 28, 2007 at Paizanos in Norcross. The happy hour is an informal meeting held about four times a year in different cities throughout metro Atlanta. The allows members who live or work in the designated location to network with their fellow STC chapter members while learning about the latest trends in the technical communication field. The happy hour's main purpose is to make it convenient for those unable to attend the monthly chapter meetings a chance to become more involved with their chapter.
If you're interested in joining us, please RSVP to Joe Scardina at joescardina@bellsouth.net by August 22 so reservations can be made.
For directions to Paizanos please visit their web site at http://www.paizanos.com/directions.html. Hope to see you there."
Tonight there is another Happy Hour at Paizanos in Norcross.
"Join the Atlanta STC Chapter for happy hour (6 - 7 PM) on August 28, 2007 at Paizanos in Norcross. The happy hour is an informal meeting held about four times a year in different cities throughout metro Atlanta. The allows members who live or work in the designated location to network with their fellow STC chapter members while learning about the latest trends in the technical communication field. The happy hour's main purpose is to make it convenient for those unable to attend the monthly chapter meetings a chance to become more involved with their chapter.
If you're interested in joining us, please RSVP to Joe Scardina at joescardina@bellsouth.net by August 22 so reservations can be made.
For directions to Paizanos please visit their web site at http://www.paizanos.com/directions.html. Hope to see you there."
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
STC Member Forum
Do you subscribe or read the STC Member Forum (http://stcforum.org/)? If you do, you might have noticed an issue that surfaced some time ago. There was an email that went out from the Society (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=kJsO1Y5yI0KibbIyi_2fAziQ_3d_3d). It requested your participation in a survey for Knowledge-Based Governance. (These surveys, in my opinion, are good things. The more the Society board knows about members needs and wants the better.)
One of the questions in the survey related to the "auto-assign" feature in the new membership management software the office is implementing. And this has been a topic of some rather testy comments on the STC Member Forum. It seems that the auto-assign function picks what chapter (or geographical community, if you prefer) to place you in when you become a member or change addresses. Here in Atlanta, that isn't an issue because there is only one chapter to belong to in the state. But, if you live in the New York City area or the Los Angeles area, it can become a problem.
On the STC Member Forum, a member from the New York area moved. They had been a member of the Connecticut chapter. Because they moved closer to the New York City area, the auto-assign feature kicked in and re-assigned the member from the Connecticut chapter to the New York City chapter. And, to top that off, the member wasn't notified of the change in chapter membership. They found out by accident.
So the president of the Connecticut chapter tried to get the board to change the policy and de-activate the auto-assign feature, at least for the Connecticut chapter. The Society sent out a survey to the Connecticut members that was, in my opinion, poorly worded and that did not explain the reason for the request. The voting on the survey was "inconclusive" so the auto-assign feature is still active.
The new survey that was sent out to the entire membership asked the same question with no explanation at all. Should the auto-assign be a feature in the new membership management software or not. I imagine, unless you have been following this development in the STC Member Forum, you didn't have a clue as to the reason for the question. (I would be curious to know how you answered this survey question.)
Admittedly, I am not a association management expert. I have no idea what constitutes "best practices" for associations. But I fail to see the value in this feature. Can you enlighten me? Please comment if you understand the reason why we would want our membership affiliations to be determined by a software program and not by us. I want to know. There has got to be a reason else our newly hired Society office staff and Executive Director would not be pushing this as a question. I just want to understand. And, then, maybe they are not pushing it. Maybe it was just a poorly worded question.
Until next time.
One of the questions in the survey related to the "auto-assign" feature in the new membership management software the office is implementing. And this has been a topic of some rather testy comments on the STC Member Forum. It seems that the auto-assign function picks what chapter (or geographical community, if you prefer) to place you in when you become a member or change addresses. Here in Atlanta, that isn't an issue because there is only one chapter to belong to in the state. But, if you live in the New York City area or the Los Angeles area, it can become a problem.
On the STC Member Forum, a member from the New York area moved. They had been a member of the Connecticut chapter. Because they moved closer to the New York City area, the auto-assign feature kicked in and re-assigned the member from the Connecticut chapter to the New York City chapter. And, to top that off, the member wasn't notified of the change in chapter membership. They found out by accident.
So the president of the Connecticut chapter tried to get the board to change the policy and de-activate the auto-assign feature, at least for the Connecticut chapter. The Society sent out a survey to the Connecticut members that was, in my opinion, poorly worded and that did not explain the reason for the request. The voting on the survey was "inconclusive" so the auto-assign feature is still active.
The new survey that was sent out to the entire membership asked the same question with no explanation at all. Should the auto-assign be a feature in the new membership management software or not. I imagine, unless you have been following this development in the STC Member Forum, you didn't have a clue as to the reason for the question. (I would be curious to know how you answered this survey question.)
Admittedly, I am not a association management expert. I have no idea what constitutes "best practices" for associations. But I fail to see the value in this feature. Can you enlighten me? Please comment if you understand the reason why we would want our membership affiliations to be determined by a software program and not by us. I want to know. There has got to be a reason else our newly hired Society office staff and Executive Director would not be pushing this as a question. I just want to understand. And, then, maybe they are not pushing it. Maybe it was just a poorly worded question.
Until next time.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Competitions
As you probably know, competition time is here! I'm sure all of you have something you have worked on that you need your peers to validate as the best dang technical communications ever! Well, now is the time! Let's all enter something!
If you need information on our competitions here at Atlanta chapter STC, follow this link: http://www.stcatlanta.org/compete.htm. Michelle Schoen has put together a page that gives you everything you need to know to enter our competitions. She has a video where she explains it, she has three audio files that discusses what makes a winning entry, how to win the competitions, and how to judge in the competitions. So check it out.
Mike Hughes pointed out that the entry form (accessible from this page) says it is interactive but it isn't. I will work on making it interactive so you can fill out the form online and then print it out. If your handwriting is as bad as mine no one would be able to read it if I hand wrote it!
Until next time!
If you need information on our competitions here at Atlanta chapter STC, follow this link: http://www.stcatlanta.org/compete.htm. Michelle Schoen has put together a page that gives you everything you need to know to enter our competitions. She has a video where she explains it, she has three audio files that discusses what makes a winning entry, how to win the competitions, and how to judge in the competitions. So check it out.
Mike Hughes pointed out that the entry form (accessible from this page) says it is interactive but it isn't. I will work on making it interactive so you can fill out the form online and then print it out. If your handwriting is as bad as mine no one would be able to read it if I hand wrote it!
Until next time!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
STC Council Meeting
Last evening was our monthly council meeting. I really enjoy these meetings. We get to enjoy time around others with like minds. And we get to discuss issues concerning the future of STC Atlanta Chapter.
Many exciting things are coming up. Our next few meetings are coming together nicely. In two weeks we have a 3-way Development Team Showdown. Learn how the "three heads of the development monster" battle it out!
In September, we have Alison Reynolds, from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology in New Zealand. She will discuss the results of her STC Academic-Industry Collaboration committee study relating to job skills. She is presenting this report in Houston to an STC Academe-Industry Summit. We will be the first to hear the results.
September 28 is our deadline for accepting entries into our annual technical communications competition. We are accepting technical publications, online communications, and technical art entries. If you have something that you are especially proud of, submit it now. Check out the website at: http://www.stcatlanta.org/compete.htm.
In October we will have a joint meeting with the Atlanta interactive Marketing Association (AiMA). This will be focused on B2B content. How it is created and how it is used.
In November, our own Dr. Michael Hughes will present "The Anatomy of a Help File: An Iterative Approach." I know we will all want to be there for that.
In December we are planning our Holiday Party! After the success of last year's holiday party, where we enjoyed food, music, and networking, and where we collected toys and other items for distribution to the Children's Restoration Network.
Next year we have many things coming up that deserve mention here. We have Jean-luc Duomont of Belgium speaking at Currents. We will have a golf tournament in conjunction with Currents for the first time this year. The golf tournament will serve as a fundraiser for our chapter.
We will have a booth at the 2008 conference in Philadelphia advertising what to see/do in Atlanta when STC comes for the international conference in 2009.
So exciting things are coming up. I'm sure you don't want to miss any of this! I am very excited!
Many exciting things are coming up. Our next few meetings are coming together nicely. In two weeks we have a 3-way Development Team Showdown. Learn how the "three heads of the development monster" battle it out!
In September, we have Alison Reynolds, from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology in New Zealand. She will discuss the results of her STC Academic-Industry Collaboration committee study relating to job skills. She is presenting this report in Houston to an STC Academe-Industry Summit. We will be the first to hear the results.
September 28 is our deadline for accepting entries into our annual technical communications competition. We are accepting technical publications, online communications, and technical art entries. If you have something that you are especially proud of, submit it now. Check out the website at: http://www.stcatlanta.org/compete.htm.
In October we will have a joint meeting with the Atlanta interactive Marketing Association (AiMA). This will be focused on B2B content. How it is created and how it is used.
In November, our own Dr. Michael Hughes will present "The Anatomy of a Help File: An Iterative Approach." I know we will all want to be there for that.
In December we are planning our Holiday Party! After the success of last year's holiday party, where we enjoyed food, music, and networking, and where we collected toys and other items for distribution to the Children's Restoration Network.
Next year we have many things coming up that deserve mention here. We have Jean-luc Duomont of Belgium speaking at Currents. We will have a golf tournament in conjunction with Currents for the first time this year. The golf tournament will serve as a fundraiser for our chapter.
We will have a booth at the 2008 conference in Philadelphia advertising what to see/do in Atlanta when STC comes for the international conference in 2009.
So exciting things are coming up. I'm sure you don't want to miss any of this! I am very excited!
Country Music, Life, and Getting Along
Let me say right here that I really enjoy country music. I was listening this morning and heard a new song by Toby Keith.
(If you follow country music at all you will know who he is. If you don't, well turn on a country radio station and listen for a few songs. You will probably hear one of his songs!)
Anyway, there were a few lines in his new song that really struck a chord with me. It reminds me that, sometimes, we just don't agree with our colleagues.
"Hate me if you want to
Love me if you can!"
I mean, that says a lot. As Popeye would say, "I am what I am!"
"Why don't we just agree to disagree!"
This is my thought when faced with a situation where someone gets very angry that I can't see their point about something. We all have strong beliefs about some things. And how we feel about these things will not be changed by arguing with people. So let's just agree to disagree and not get angry and decide we don't like one another any more. We just have something that we can't agree on.
And so it is with our work life as a technical communicator. We each have strong feelings about the way we document something. We have strong feelings about how we write training. We have strong feelings about how we present technical information. The point being that there is more than one way to accomplish technical communication. We need to learn from our peers. We need to be more accepting of their opinions. Sometimes they may have a better idea or way. And, if you can't agree with their way of doing it, just agree to disagree.
(If you follow country music at all you will know who he is. If you don't, well turn on a country radio station and listen for a few songs. You will probably hear one of his songs!)
Anyway, there were a few lines in his new song that really struck a chord with me. It reminds me that, sometimes, we just don't agree with our colleagues.
"Hate me if you want to
Love me if you can!"
I mean, that says a lot. As Popeye would say, "I am what I am!"
"Why don't we just agree to disagree!"
This is my thought when faced with a situation where someone gets very angry that I can't see their point about something. We all have strong beliefs about some things. And how we feel about these things will not be changed by arguing with people. So let's just agree to disagree and not get angry and decide we don't like one another any more. We just have something that we can't agree on.
And so it is with our work life as a technical communicator. We each have strong feelings about the way we document something. We have strong feelings about how we write training. We have strong feelings about how we present technical information. The point being that there is more than one way to accomplish technical communication. We need to learn from our peers. We need to be more accepting of their opinions. Sometimes they may have a better idea or way. And, if you can't agree with their way of doing it, just agree to disagree.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Hello to Job Hunting!
I work for EarthLink. Specifically for the EarthLink Municipal Networks business unit.
I think it was in February when our CEO, Garry Betty passed away of cancer. The past few months have been spent by the Board of Directors searching for a replacement. A couple of weeks ago they hired Rolla P. Huff as our new President and CEO. I suppose new CEOs have to show they can generate profit quickly, and one of the quickest ways to generate more profit for a company is to eliminate a few bodies! Decreasing the payroll has an immediate effect on the bottom line. Stockholders of our company will love it.
Anyway, as a technical writer, I am sure I will be one of the first eliminated. EarthLink has a policy of giving generous severance and notices, but nothing really helps or make you feel any better when you are out there looking for a job.
Nothing is set in stone as they say, and my job might not even be eliminated, but I believe the proverbial handwriting is on the wall! The executives are reviewing the positions that we need to operate and still make a profit. At this point, we don't know when a decision will be made. But I am not going to sit back and wait. I am being proactive and am visiting job sites and putting out my resume and trying to get a feel for what kind of jobs are out there. I can't afford to be unemployed for any long length of time.
So, Hello to Job Hunting! If any of you know of available jobs out there, just let me know.
I think it was in February when our CEO, Garry Betty passed away of cancer. The past few months have been spent by the Board of Directors searching for a replacement. A couple of weeks ago they hired Rolla P. Huff as our new President and CEO. I suppose new CEOs have to show they can generate profit quickly, and one of the quickest ways to generate more profit for a company is to eliminate a few bodies! Decreasing the payroll has an immediate effect on the bottom line. Stockholders of our company will love it.
Anyway, as a technical writer, I am sure I will be one of the first eliminated. EarthLink has a policy of giving generous severance and notices, but nothing really helps or make you feel any better when you are out there looking for a job.
Nothing is set in stone as they say, and my job might not even be eliminated, but I believe the proverbial handwriting is on the wall! The executives are reviewing the positions that we need to operate and still make a profit. At this point, we don't know when a decision will be made. But I am not going to sit back and wait. I am being proactive and am visiting job sites and putting out my resume and trying to get a feel for what kind of jobs are out there. I can't afford to be unemployed for any long length of time.
So, Hello to Job Hunting! If any of you know of available jobs out there, just let me know.
Parisian Soiree - Where great minds meet and mingle
As you may or may not know, I am a member of the Technical Communications Advisory Board for Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU). We are having our 2nd Annual Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 23, 2007, at Atmosphere, a mid-town Atlanta restaurant, from 7 Pm until 10 PM. The funds we receive support the technical communications programs at SPSU.
This event will include a silent auction with many neat items.
The cost includes a 3 course meal including appetizers, dessert, tea and coffee. (Adult beverages are on your own.) All this for a donation of only $55 per person! Come and join your fellow technical communicators and SPSU grads for a fun night. I hope to see you there!
If you want to attend, send a check made out to: SPSU Foundation to: Claudia Ludlow, 3350 Summer View Drive, Alpharetta, GA. 30022. Closer to the event there will be a PayPal link on the TCOMmons website for those of you wishing to pay by credit card.
This event will include a silent auction with many neat items.
The cost includes a 3 course meal including appetizers, dessert, tea and coffee. (Adult beverages are on your own.) All this for a donation of only $55 per person! Come and join your fellow technical communicators and SPSU grads for a fun night. I hope to see you there!
If you want to attend, send a check made out to: SPSU Foundation to: Claudia Ludlow, 3350 Summer View Drive, Alpharetta, GA. 30022. Closer to the event there will be a PayPal link on the TCOMmons website for those of you wishing to pay by credit card.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Meeting in September
I have wonderful news!
I have been talking with a professor from New Zealand who has been doing research on technical communications and technical communicator's tools and what it takes to be successful in the field. I wanted her to speak to our chapter about her research . And I am happy to report that she has agreed.
Her name is Alison Reynolds and she will speak to us at our September meeting which we will be rescheduling for the 4th Tuesday in the month (September 25) to accommodate her travel schedule. This is exciting. You should plan to attend for a lively and exciting discussion on technical communication tools and you! (Brian, if you are reading this, take special note!)
So come to the meeting in September, welcome Ms Reynolds, and be ready for a lively discussion.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Chapter Update
STC Atlanta Chapter Update for July 2007
To keep up with day-to-day STC Atlanta chapter news and developments, read the President's blog (http://stcatlprez.blogspot.com/), visit our chapter Web site (http://www.blogger.com/www.stcatlanta.org), and visit Michelle Schoen’s podcast site (http://mschoen.libsyn.com/).
Upcoming Events
July 17 Chapter MeetingExtended Networking, Interesting Topics, & Other Stuff
Using a progression-style format, you can rotate from table to table to network, discuss topics of interest to technical communicators, and learn how to enter the Chapter competitions.
The meeting will be in Dunwoody at Mirant Corporation, 1155 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, 30338, across the street from the Sandy Springs Marta station at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Abernathy. (map)
Networking at 6:30 p.m.; meeting at 7:00.
Tentative Future Programs
August 21 – Development Team Showdown
September 18 – Flare vs RoboHelp
October 16 – Joint meeting with the Atlanta interactive Marketing Association (AiMA)
November 20 – The Anatomy of a Help File: An Iterative Approach – Presented by Dr. Michael Hughes
If you don’t see your favorite program, contact Robert Armstrong.
August Software Saturdays return!
The success of our Software Saturday class on a Decent Exposure to FrameMaker has resulted in a new Software Saturday on vector graphics.
The class will be taught at HelpWrite, Inc, 3070 Business Park Dr., Suite A, Norcross, GA 30071.
Classes will be limited to the first 10 participants. Participants will receive a copy of DrawPlus software, instruction, and a workbook. Watch our chapter website for more information. Specific date will be announced soon.
Announcements
Podcasts
Missed an STC Atlanta chapter meeting? Want to know what's going on with fellow STC members? Check out Michelle Schoen's Podcasts for in-depth interviews and recorded Atlanta chapter meetings.
Lunch with an Expert
The STC Atlanta Chapter is beginning a new program to put senior experienced members in touch with others in a way that keeps things deliberately informal. We looked closely at the Mentoring Program, and there was a general agreement that the mentoring relationship requires a level of time and commitment that few could sustain and was perhaps intimidating to many.
Since everyone eats lunch, it made sense to try a different approach centered around that congenial activity. We’ve got a list of senior members with a wide range of professional interests and experience, and they’re ready to share the benefit of their wisdom with a fellow Chapter member over lunch at a mutually agreeable time and place.
If you’re struggling with a project, looking to branch our into a different area of technical communication, investigating an academic technical communication program, or just wanting to connect with a new professional colleague, send an email with a brief description of what you’re interested in talking about, what part of town you’re in, and your contact information. We’ll be back in touch with the name and contact information of one of the Experts.
There are only a couple of ground rules: the Expert gets treated to lunch and you provide some feedback about the program. Everything else is up to the two of you.
Email your request or any questions to Roger Siegel.
Best Practices Conference
If you are interested in a conference on Best Practices with a great selection of speakers and presenters close to the Atlanta area, here you are. Speakers will include JoAnn Hackos, our own Carol Barnum, Glenn D’Amore, Dave De Yoreo, Charles Dowdell, Neville Fleet, Irene Hammerich, Ed Hougardy, Brenda Horner, Jeff Kaminski, Art Kedzierski, Monti Lawrence, Melody Locke, Julie MacAller, Denise Moore, Palmer Pearson, Mark Poole, Ginny Redish, Rosanne Scriffignano, Suzanne Sowinska, Valerie Stoehr, Beth Thomerson, Michel Uyttendaele, Scott Wahl, and Daphne Walmer.
This conference will be held at the Chateau Elan Inn in Braselton, Georgia. If you have never been to Chateau Elan, it is worth the trip, even without the conference. For more information, follow this link: http://www.infomanagementcenter.com/bestpractices/2007/index.htm.
Help Us Update Our List of Companies that Hire Technical Communicators
We are trying to update our website with an accurate list of companies in the Atlanta area that hire technical communicators. Please visit http://www.stcatlanta.org/employment/hire_tw.pdf to see if you can help us update this list. If you know of any companies that hire TCs that aren’t on this list or if there are any companies on this list that do not hire technical communicators, please let me know.
Announcing New Volunteers
During the last month, two more volunteers have stepped up to help our chapter. Please join me in welcoming them and thanking them for their service to our chapter:
Kathleen Baine – New Writers SIG Manager
Michael Hughes – Atlanta Conference 2009 Planning Committee Chair
Community Service Activities:
Helping the Global CommunityTook place on Saturday, June 16, 2007
More than a dozen of your fellow STC Atlanta Chapter members participated in this Community Service Event at MedShare International. Thanks to Julie Brock, our Community Service Manager. We will be returning for another event in the near future. Watch this update and our website for more information. Those of you who volunteered, many thanks. Those of you who didn’t, you missed a great opportunity to network with other volunteers and to help the global community.
MedShare collects and ships surplus medical supplies to countries in the economically developing world. MedShare serves healthcare facilities providing medical care to the needy in developing countries regardless of their religious or political affiliations. Your fellow STC members helped organize, sort, and package medical supplies to be sent to needy communities overseas.
Contact our Community Service Manager, Julie Brock for more information. Check out some pictures of the event: (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8482243@N08/sets/72157600392844721/.
July CommLink Newsletter Available shortly
The July issue of CommLink is in final editing and will be available soon. Check out previous issues on the website!
One thing I would like to see in our newsletter is more input from our members. I know each of you has something to contribute. I know you are all writing and working on very interesting projects. Share your expertise! Wouldn’t you like to know what your fellow members are up to? I’m sure they would like to hear about your project or new software!
Contact Paul Phillips to contribute an article to CommLink!
Join STC!
Networking, education, monthly programs, annual conferences — there are a lot of reasons to join the Society for Technical Communication! Sign up today using the online membership form to receive the benefits of membership in a professional association. To change or upgrade your current membership, use the online Membership Change/Upgrade form. For example, if you are currently an E-member, but you are not affiliated with a chapter or international Special Interest Group (SIG), you can add a chapter and/or an international SIG to your membership.
Read the President's Blog
Keep up with Al Hood's thoughts on the state of the technical communication community. Visit the President's blog.
The blog created by Holly Harkness, STC Atlanta's Immediate Past President, can be viewed here.
Continuing Education Scholarship
If you're an STC Atlanta Chapter member who is either pursuing a degree in technical communication or attending a professional development seminar, you may be eligible for one of three $500 scholarships. In return for the award, the winners will make a presentation at a Chapter meeting or contribute an article to the Newsletter.
For more details, click here. http://www.stcatlanta.org/pdfs/continuingedgrant.pdf
Competitions are coming!!!
Have you or your company produced technical communication products that you think are worthy of awards? Would you like your work to be recognized by your peers? Then consider submitting your work to the STC annual competitions.
Each entry will receive detailed comments from our judges. Three recognition levels are awarded in each competition category. Winners of the top award in each competition qualify for entry in STC's International Competition. Award winners in the 2007 competition locally will receive their award plaques at our 2008 Annual Awards Banquet in April. Award winners in the International Competition will be recognized at the 2008 STC Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA.
To volunteer to judge contact Bernice Hunter.
Looking for work?
Check out our chapter's job postings at http://jobs.stcatlanta.org/
Happy Hour Events
Because of the awful traffic in the Atlanta area, we have introduced the concept of Happy Hour Events. We have 400 members spread out over the Atlanta region and we realize that many of these members cannot come to a monthly meeting in the Perimeter area, but they'd like to get together with other STCers in their part of the city to discuss issues related to our profession.
For example, we held a Happy Hour Event in Marietta and one in Alpharetta at local restaurants. Turnout was good and we had a great time visiting, networking, and sharing with each other. We want to continue these events with more planned for the very near future. At this point we are planning one in Lawrenceville/Gwinnett county area, the Alpharetta/Roswell area, and the Marietta/Kennesaw area.
If you would like to help organize a Happy Hour Event for your part of town, let me know: or our Membership Manager, Joe Scardina.
Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to the activities noted above, we are looking for volunteers to fill the following positions:
Student Liaison
Volunteer Coordinator
Currents Assistant Manager
SIG Managers for FrameMaker and Management SIGs
If you'd like to volunteer, contact me at your convenience. We have other volunteer opportunities of varying responsibilities. If you want to help but don’t want to spend every waking minute, contact me. I am sure we can accommodate your wishes.
Chapter Sponsors
Please remember our chapter sponsors and make sure to use their services when you can. Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting the STC Atlanta Chapter. If you would like to become a sponsor, contact the Sponsorship Manager, Gene Larson.
Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information. For more than two decades, the company's award-winning technologies and software have redefined business, entertainment, and personal communications by setting new standards for producing and delivering content that engages people anywhere at anytime. From rich images in print, video, and film to dynamic digital content for a variety of media, the impact of Adobe solutions is clear to anyone who creates, views, and interacts with information.
Content Solutions is a certified consultant and authorized reseller for the AuthorIT single-source solution. We provide the USA with training, consulting, implementing, and content management for all sizes of groups and companies.
Doc-To-Help is a single-source Help authoring tool that empowers authors to create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert it to virtually every popular Help file format (including browser-based, platform independent Help) or printed documentation.
echo•eleven is a "results oriented" eLearning company delivering high-impact, high-return learning experiences. echo•eleven has over 15 years of experience exploring eLearning, creating innovative solutions, and sharing our experiences with others.
Founded in 1995, Eclipsys is a healthcare information technology (HIT) company that develops and licenses proprietary, knowledge-driven clinical, financial and management information software and service solutions to more than 1,500 healthcare facilities.
HelpWrite, Inc. positions Atlanta businesses in the global marketplace with technical documentation and training solutions. We are your single source for translating complex technical concepts and software functionality into clear, concise, complete manuals and training materials in numerous formats and languages.
From the original creators of RoboHelp®, MadCap brings you Flare- the new Industry Standard and the most powerful, innovative, true single-sourcing tool ever developed.
MDI is a professional consulting and staffing firm with three divisions - IT Services, Finance, Accounting (F&A), and Medical Staffing.
Founded in 1988, MDI has recorded 19 consecutive years of profitable growth, achieving revenues of $63 million in 2006 and forecast revenues of $80 million in 2007. MDI now employs over 600 consultants nationally out of offices in Atlanta, GA (HQ); Birmingham, AL; Columbus, GA; Dallas, TX; Greenville, SC; Phoenix, AZ; and Seattle, WA.
Zaxby’s is a favorite of chicken eaters in the South. Primarily in seven southern states, the chain serves made-to-order chicken dishes—including Nuclear Chicken Wings, chicken Zappetizers and chicken Zalads—that make consumers forget about fast-food chicken options.
To keep up with day-to-day STC Atlanta chapter news and developments, read the President's blog (http://stcatlprez.blogspot.com/), visit our chapter Web site (http://www.blogger.com/www.stcatlanta.org), and visit Michelle Schoen’s podcast site (http://mschoen.libsyn.com/).
Upcoming Events
July 17 Chapter MeetingExtended Networking, Interesting Topics, & Other Stuff
Using a progression-style format, you can rotate from table to table to network, discuss topics of interest to technical communicators, and learn how to enter the Chapter competitions.
The meeting will be in Dunwoody at Mirant Corporation, 1155 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta, 30338, across the street from the Sandy Springs Marta station at the intersection of Mount Vernon and Abernathy. (map)
Networking at 6:30 p.m.; meeting at 7:00.
Tentative Future Programs
August 21 – Development Team Showdown
September 18 – Flare vs RoboHelp
October 16 – Joint meeting with the Atlanta interactive Marketing Association (AiMA)
November 20 – The Anatomy of a Help File: An Iterative Approach – Presented by Dr. Michael Hughes
If you don’t see your favorite program, contact Robert Armstrong.
August Software Saturdays return!
The success of our Software Saturday class on a Decent Exposure to FrameMaker has resulted in a new Software Saturday on vector graphics.
The class will be taught at HelpWrite, Inc, 3070 Business Park Dr., Suite A, Norcross, GA 30071.
Classes will be limited to the first 10 participants. Participants will receive a copy of DrawPlus software, instruction, and a workbook. Watch our chapter website for more information. Specific date will be announced soon.
Announcements
Podcasts
Missed an STC Atlanta chapter meeting? Want to know what's going on with fellow STC members? Check out Michelle Schoen's Podcasts for in-depth interviews and recorded Atlanta chapter meetings.
Lunch with an Expert
The STC Atlanta Chapter is beginning a new program to put senior experienced members in touch with others in a way that keeps things deliberately informal. We looked closely at the Mentoring Program, and there was a general agreement that the mentoring relationship requires a level of time and commitment that few could sustain and was perhaps intimidating to many.
Since everyone eats lunch, it made sense to try a different approach centered around that congenial activity. We’ve got a list of senior members with a wide range of professional interests and experience, and they’re ready to share the benefit of their wisdom with a fellow Chapter member over lunch at a mutually agreeable time and place.
If you’re struggling with a project, looking to branch our into a different area of technical communication, investigating an academic technical communication program, or just wanting to connect with a new professional colleague, send an email with a brief description of what you’re interested in talking about, what part of town you’re in, and your contact information. We’ll be back in touch with the name and contact information of one of the Experts.
There are only a couple of ground rules: the Expert gets treated to lunch and you provide some feedback about the program. Everything else is up to the two of you.
Email your request or any questions to Roger Siegel.
Best Practices Conference
If you are interested in a conference on Best Practices with a great selection of speakers and presenters close to the Atlanta area, here you are. Speakers will include JoAnn Hackos, our own Carol Barnum, Glenn D’Amore, Dave De Yoreo, Charles Dowdell, Neville Fleet, Irene Hammerich, Ed Hougardy, Brenda Horner, Jeff Kaminski, Art Kedzierski, Monti Lawrence, Melody Locke, Julie MacAller, Denise Moore, Palmer Pearson, Mark Poole, Ginny Redish, Rosanne Scriffignano, Suzanne Sowinska, Valerie Stoehr, Beth Thomerson, Michel Uyttendaele, Scott Wahl, and Daphne Walmer.
This conference will be held at the Chateau Elan Inn in Braselton, Georgia. If you have never been to Chateau Elan, it is worth the trip, even without the conference. For more information, follow this link: http://www.infomanagementcenter.com/bestpractices/2007/index.htm.
Help Us Update Our List of Companies that Hire Technical Communicators
We are trying to update our website with an accurate list of companies in the Atlanta area that hire technical communicators. Please visit http://www.stcatlanta.org/employment/hire_tw.pdf to see if you can help us update this list. If you know of any companies that hire TCs that aren’t on this list or if there are any companies on this list that do not hire technical communicators, please let me know.
Announcing New Volunteers
During the last month, two more volunteers have stepped up to help our chapter. Please join me in welcoming them and thanking them for their service to our chapter:
Kathleen Baine – New Writers SIG Manager
Michael Hughes – Atlanta Conference 2009 Planning Committee Chair
Community Service Activities:
Helping the Global CommunityTook place on Saturday, June 16, 2007
More than a dozen of your fellow STC Atlanta Chapter members participated in this Community Service Event at MedShare International. Thanks to Julie Brock, our Community Service Manager. We will be returning for another event in the near future. Watch this update and our website for more information. Those of you who volunteered, many thanks. Those of you who didn’t, you missed a great opportunity to network with other volunteers and to help the global community.
MedShare collects and ships surplus medical supplies to countries in the economically developing world. MedShare serves healthcare facilities providing medical care to the needy in developing countries regardless of their religious or political affiliations. Your fellow STC members helped organize, sort, and package medical supplies to be sent to needy communities overseas.
Contact our Community Service Manager, Julie Brock for more information. Check out some pictures of the event: (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8482243@N08/sets/72157600392844721/.
July CommLink Newsletter Available shortly
The July issue of CommLink is in final editing and will be available soon. Check out previous issues on the website!
One thing I would like to see in our newsletter is more input from our members. I know each of you has something to contribute. I know you are all writing and working on very interesting projects. Share your expertise! Wouldn’t you like to know what your fellow members are up to? I’m sure they would like to hear about your project or new software!
Contact Paul Phillips to contribute an article to CommLink!
Join STC!
Networking, education, monthly programs, annual conferences — there are a lot of reasons to join the Society for Technical Communication! Sign up today using the online membership form to receive the benefits of membership in a professional association. To change or upgrade your current membership, use the online Membership Change/Upgrade form. For example, if you are currently an E-member, but you are not affiliated with a chapter or international Special Interest Group (SIG), you can add a chapter and/or an international SIG to your membership.
Read the President's Blog
Keep up with Al Hood's thoughts on the state of the technical communication community. Visit the President's blog.
The blog created by Holly Harkness, STC Atlanta's Immediate Past President, can be viewed here.
Continuing Education Scholarship
If you're an STC Atlanta Chapter member who is either pursuing a degree in technical communication or attending a professional development seminar, you may be eligible for one of three $500 scholarships. In return for the award, the winners will make a presentation at a Chapter meeting or contribute an article to the Newsletter.
For more details, click here. http://www.stcatlanta.org/pdfs/continuingedgrant.pdf
Competitions are coming!!!
Have you or your company produced technical communication products that you think are worthy of awards? Would you like your work to be recognized by your peers? Then consider submitting your work to the STC annual competitions.
Each entry will receive detailed comments from our judges. Three recognition levels are awarded in each competition category. Winners of the top award in each competition qualify for entry in STC's International Competition. Award winners in the 2007 competition locally will receive their award plaques at our 2008 Annual Awards Banquet in April. Award winners in the International Competition will be recognized at the 2008 STC Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA.
To volunteer to judge contact Bernice Hunter.
Looking for work?
Check out our chapter's job postings at http://jobs.stcatlanta.org/
Happy Hour Events
Because of the awful traffic in the Atlanta area, we have introduced the concept of Happy Hour Events. We have 400 members spread out over the Atlanta region and we realize that many of these members cannot come to a monthly meeting in the Perimeter area, but they'd like to get together with other STCers in their part of the city to discuss issues related to our profession.
For example, we held a Happy Hour Event in Marietta and one in Alpharetta at local restaurants. Turnout was good and we had a great time visiting, networking, and sharing with each other. We want to continue these events with more planned for the very near future. At this point we are planning one in Lawrenceville/Gwinnett county area, the Alpharetta/Roswell area, and the Marietta/Kennesaw area.
If you would like to help organize a Happy Hour Event for your part of town, let me know: or our Membership Manager, Joe Scardina.
Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to the activities noted above, we are looking for volunteers to fill the following positions:
Student Liaison
Volunteer Coordinator
Currents Assistant Manager
SIG Managers for FrameMaker and Management SIGs
If you'd like to volunteer, contact me at your convenience. We have other volunteer opportunities of varying responsibilities. If you want to help but don’t want to spend every waking minute, contact me. I am sure we can accommodate your wishes.
Chapter Sponsors
Please remember our chapter sponsors and make sure to use their services when you can. Thanks to the following sponsors for supporting the STC Atlanta Chapter. If you would like to become a sponsor, contact the Sponsorship Manager, Gene Larson.
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Friday, July 13, 2007
Council Meeting
This past Tuesday was our monthly council meeting. We covered a lot of things relating to the upcoming month and year. We are really trying to be proactive and provide what you, the members of STC Atlanta really want to see.
We had a new volunteer: Kathleen Baine, a long-time member has agreed to serve as the New Writers SIG Manager. This is great! SPSU and Mercer have wonderful TCOM programs and are producing technical communicators for the workplace. Kathleen will work with the professors at each of these programs to provide events that will aid them as they attempt to become technical communicators in the workplace. She is planning events at least once per semester. If you see Kathleen, thank her for her help!
I was just wondering: to become a Senior STC Member, you must be a member for at least 5 consecutive years. What do you think about some sort of recognition program? Most people have no idea when they attain Senior status. I would like to thank the Senior members of our chapter by recognizing them with a Senior Member pin when they attain senior status. Would you like that? Tell me what you think. I would like to hear from you.
Howard Speck just submitted our papers to the Society that confirms our participation in this year's competitions. We will have Technical Publications, Technical Art, and Online Communications competitions this year. Make your plans now to participate. I know you have some document or online Help or drawing or something that you are proud of. Make plans to submit it to our competitions.
We had a new volunteer: Kathleen Baine, a long-time member has agreed to serve as the New Writers SIG Manager. This is great! SPSU and Mercer have wonderful TCOM programs and are producing technical communicators for the workplace. Kathleen will work with the professors at each of these programs to provide events that will aid them as they attempt to become technical communicators in the workplace. She is planning events at least once per semester. If you see Kathleen, thank her for her help!
I was just wondering: to become a Senior STC Member, you must be a member for at least 5 consecutive years. What do you think about some sort of recognition program? Most people have no idea when they attain Senior status. I would like to thank the Senior members of our chapter by recognizing them with a Senior Member pin when they attain senior status. Would you like that? Tell me what you think. I would like to hear from you.
Howard Speck just submitted our papers to the Society that confirms our participation in this year's competitions. We will have Technical Publications, Technical Art, and Online Communications competitions this year. Make your plans now to participate. I know you have some document or online Help or drawing or something that you are proud of. Make plans to submit it to our competitions.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Happy 4th of July
Yesterday was the 4th and, as usual, my wife and I went to watch fireworks. It was great!
We went to the Marietta Square where they had cordoned off the entire square area downtown and turned it into a party! There were numerous activities for the kids (the is the first year we didn't have at least one of our grandsons with us), food, ice cream, entertainment (Carolina Rain was the band, if you know anything about country music!), and then the fireworks. It was a great time! We really enjoyed the fireworks. And, when it was over, we hustled back to my new truck to get out of there, but that wasn't happening! The entire city of Marietta and surrounding areas had descended on Marietta and we couldn't even get into the street from our parking lot.
So we locked up the truck right there and went back to the square to watch the winding down of the celebration. There were garbage trucks picking up the tons of garbage, the slides and jumping enclosures were being deflated and removed, people were looking for something to eat (but all the venues had closed), and the people were milling around waiting to be able to leave. There had been three trains during the evening right by the square. One more passed as we tried to get to the Krystal restaurant so we could get something to drink! These trains are long and some of the cars are painted with graffiti. They looked like gang painting or what I have always thought of as gang painting.
During this long evening, I thought about the celebration and how it relates to technical communication. There were Police Explorer units that had to receive training on crowd control. (Written by a TC!). There were the fireworks crews who had to have some training on how to run a fireworks display. The personnel running the trains had to have some instruction on how to run a train. The warning lights and cross arm for the trains had to have instructions in how to put them up and how they work.
And on and on and on! We must realize that our profession touches the lives of many, many people. Even the new driver golf club I purchased the day before had technical specifications on the shaft, the flex, the head, the grip, and more. I had to read through all of the specs on all of the drivers to help me decide which one to buy! There is nothing we don't touch. So when people say the technical writing profession is dying, I just wonder where they are coming from. I suppose our profession is becoming more and more specialized. We have user experience gurus and many other specialists, but, when you look really close, aren't they all technical communicators?
Hope you had a great 4th as we did!
We went to the Marietta Square where they had cordoned off the entire square area downtown and turned it into a party! There were numerous activities for the kids (the is the first year we didn't have at least one of our grandsons with us), food, ice cream, entertainment (Carolina Rain was the band, if you know anything about country music!), and then the fireworks. It was a great time! We really enjoyed the fireworks. And, when it was over, we hustled back to my new truck to get out of there, but that wasn't happening! The entire city of Marietta and surrounding areas had descended on Marietta and we couldn't even get into the street from our parking lot.
So we locked up the truck right there and went back to the square to watch the winding down of the celebration. There were garbage trucks picking up the tons of garbage, the slides and jumping enclosures were being deflated and removed, people were looking for something to eat (but all the venues had closed), and the people were milling around waiting to be able to leave. There had been three trains during the evening right by the square. One more passed as we tried to get to the Krystal restaurant so we could get something to drink! These trains are long and some of the cars are painted with graffiti. They looked like gang painting or what I have always thought of as gang painting.
During this long evening, I thought about the celebration and how it relates to technical communication. There were Police Explorer units that had to receive training on crowd control. (Written by a TC!). There were the fireworks crews who had to have some training on how to run a fireworks display. The personnel running the trains had to have some instruction on how to run a train. The warning lights and cross arm for the trains had to have instructions in how to put them up and how they work.
And on and on and on! We must realize that our profession touches the lives of many, many people. Even the new driver golf club I purchased the day before had technical specifications on the shaft, the flex, the head, the grip, and more. I had to read through all of the specs on all of the drivers to help me decide which one to buy! There is nothing we don't touch. So when people say the technical writing profession is dying, I just wonder where they are coming from. I suppose our profession is becoming more and more specialized. We have user experience gurus and many other specialists, but, when you look really close, aren't they all technical communicators?
Hope you had a great 4th as we did!
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