Defining 'Value-Adding Work' of In-House Information Development Groups  

Many in-house information development groups are redefining their role (or seeking to justify their existence) around the concept of 'value-adding work.' But which tasks are value-adding? Finding an answer to this question is critical for the survival of information development groups. Unfortunately, there is no easy, 'one size fits all' answer, because the response depends largely on your point of view. Thus, deciding what is and isn't value-adding may require technical communicators to do more project-by-project task, audience, and media analysis than ever before.

Collins, William L. STC Proceedings (1998). Careers>Content Management>Information Design>Content Strategy

Editing an Index  

Collins and Hamilton's thorough guide to editing indexes offers tips on the most difficult and time-consuming of indexers' tasks.

Collins, William L. and Karen J. Hamilton. Intercom (2001). Articles>Indexing>Editing

"Here, Just Stick this Document on the Web": Planning Usable Web Documents  

Drawn by the lure of being 'on the Web' and wanting a quick Web presence, corporate clients increasingly ask information developers to take an existing paper document and 'just stick it on the Web.' This request may arise without considering whether the Web is appropriate, whether the document can or will be used in this medium, or whether the target audience even has Web access! If you’re the information developer asked to turn existing information into a Web document, take comfort: your careful analysis and preparation can make the result a usable Web site, not just an information dump.

Collins, William L., Elinor L. Knodel and Michael V. Mahoney. STC Proceedings (1997). Articles>Information Design>Web Design

How to Edit an Index: A Workshop  

Editing an index involves much more than just proofreading and checking for correct page number references. An experienced index editor will clarify and refine categories; combine, add, or delete subentries; and create meaningful cross-references. Knowing what flaws to look for in an index and understanding how to correct them will help you significantly improve the usability of your document (whether paper or electronic) and make it easier for your readers to locate quickly the relevant information they need.

Collins, William L. and Karen J. Hamilton. STC Proceedings (1999). Articles>Indexing

Indexing: Exploring the Issues, Dispelling the Myths  

What is an index? Meeting user expectations.

Collins, William L., Sandra M. Gallagher and Karen J. Hamilton. STC Orange County (1998). Presentations>Indexing

Indexing: Exploring the Issues, Dispelling the Myths  

There is widespread confusion, even in the technical communication field, about the real nature and purpose of an index. This is unsettling, because an understanding of the role of the index is vital to those who create information products and also to those using the information products. Consequently, it is important for technical communicators to familiarize themselves with some basic facts about indexing and to dispel the common misconceptions about the purpose, use, and creation of an index.

Collins, William L., Sandra Gallagher and Karen Hamilton. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Indexing

Rediscovering the Technology of English  

Although an expertise in language is our most fundamental, critical asset as technical communicators, it is the skill-set most often taken for granted, undervalued, or inadequately applied. Nevertheless, the huge increase in information competing daily for our readers’ time and attention makes the need for clear, concise, and accessible information products more essential than ever.

Collins, William L. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Writing

"Why Do We Need Editors Anyway?" Overcoming the Obstacles Facing a New Editing Group  

In the corporate arena, an editing group (particularly a newly formed one) sometimes finds it difficult to be accepted as part of a communications team and may spend an inordinate amount of its energy seeking to justify its existence. Barriers to acceptance and credibility include lack of trust and misunderstanding about what editors do or what value editing imparts. Editors can overcome these obstacles, however, through a combination of consistent work practices, clear and frequent communication with writers, and an ongoing program aimed at demonstrating the practical value of editing.

Collins, William L. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Editing>Collaboration

Writer-Editor Interactions: What Works?  

Successful writer-editor relationships require a commitment from both parties to teamwork, open communications, and shared accountability for the success of each project. The benefits from this ejj?ort include better igformation products for users and a more congenial working environmentfor you. Equally important, your clients will develop cor@ence and trust when they see a project’s writer and editor combining their skills and collaborating on shared project goals.

Collins, William L. and Susan M.J. Lester. STC Proceedings (1997). Articles>Collaboration>Editing>Writing