At Random

Rhonda Bracey's blog, with some posts specifically on technical writing.

Bracey, Rhonda. At Random. Resources>Writing>Technical Writing>Blogs

AuthorIT: Creating a 2-Column Glossary in Word  

How to modify AuthorIT objects to get a 2-column glossary in the Word output.

Bracey, Rhonda. CyberText Consulting (2003). Articles>Word Processing>Style Sheets

AuthorIT: Resizing Graphics using JavaScript Code

My client wanted screen shots in their CHM, but the screens were very large thus creating problems when printing a topic. With some help from Dave Gash, I got the large screen shots to open at 50% size, with a function for the user to resize them to 100% either all at once or one at a time. The function also toggled back to 50% at the user's discretion. This solved the problem of large screen shots in the online help, while allowing error-free printing to occur.

Bracey, Rhonda. CyberText Consulting (2003). Resources>Documentation>Software>DHTML

AuthorIT: Time-Saving Techniques Using AuthorIT  

A presentation about techniques one could employ using AuthorIT.

Bracey, Rhonda. CyberText Consulting (2005). Presentations>Documentation>Software

AuthorIT: Tips, Articles, Presentations, etc.

Various articles, presentations, tips and hints on using AuthorIT.

Bracey, Rhonda. CyberText Consulting (2004). Resources>Documentation>Software

AuthorIT: What's it All About?  

As other Help authoring tools (HATs) fall by the wayside or the scuttlebutt about their demise gets stronger, one HAT that continually gets favourable mention is AuthorIT. Maybe you've heard about it, but don't know what it is or how it is different from traditional HATs. In this article, I cover some of the main features of AuthorIT so you'll have enough information to investigate further.

Bracey, Rhonda. CyberText Consulting (2004). Resources>Documentation>Software

CyberText Consulting: Newsletter/Blog

Lots of hints and tips for Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, AuthorIT, etc.; cool URLs; interesting book reviews; pet peeves; and whatever else piques my interest.

Bracey, Rhonda. CyberText Consulting. Resources>TC>Document Design>Blogs

Training 101: Learn How to Train  

Practical techniques for organizing, delivering, and surviving your first-ever face-to-face training course. While the focus is on computer software training, the information can be readily adapted for other training situations. BEFORE THE BIG DAY It is useful to know what goes into a training session even if you're not responsible for all the preparations. If

Bracey, Rhonda. STC Proceedings (2002). Articles>Education>Instructional Design>Workplace

Training 101: Logistics for Delivering Face-to-Face Instruction  

Practical techniques for organizing, delivering, and surviving your first-ever face-to-face training course. While the focus is on computer software training, the information can be readily adapted for other training situations. The first section deals with physical preparations such as setting up the room and checking equipment. The second offers practical tips for delivering the training, such as dealing with troublesome people, using various delivery methods, and getting feedback. Intended audience: For those who know their subject matter/product very well, but have no teaching or training experience – as the 'resident expert' they have been asked to train others.

Bracey, Rhonda. STC Proceedings (2003). Articles>Education>Instructional Design

Reviewing User Interfaces

While user interface (UI) reviews often occur at the end of the development cycle, I recommend that you get involved early in the process, preferably when the designers create the initial wireframes or paper prototypes. Why? Making changes early in the process reduces development costs. Plus, if you identify usability issues early, it’s much more likely the team can remedy them before launch, preventing bad reviews.

Bracey, Rhonda. UXmatters (2009). Articles>User Interface>Assessment