Communication in Technology Transfer and Diffusion: Defining the Field    

Provides an introduction to our field’s connections with technology transfer and diffusion. Technology transfer, the complex social process that moves technology from bench to market, drives global economic growth; technology diffusion, the market-driven process by which innovations are adopted and implemented, follows similar patterns. Indeed, technology transfer and diffusion may be considered synonymous with the phenomenon of growth in a global economy.

Coppola, Nancy W. Technical Communication Quarterly (2006). Articles>Communication>Technology>Technical Writing

The Golden Rules  

Sometimes we focus so much on tools and technologies that we forget the underlying theory of basic, good technical writing. Yes, there are basic laws of technical writing which remain intact despite the constant changes in the way we produce documentation or the way users access it. Whether you are writing a printed user guide, an online reference manual, or context-sensitive online help, these same basic laws apply. I call these basic laws my 'golden rules' for producing effective user documentation and eliminating sloppy habits. This workshop covers each rule in detail, plus provides practical tips for applying them.

Guren, Leah. STC Proceedings (1998). Articles>Writing>Technology>Technical Writing

It's Not the Tool, It's the Writer

This blog post ponders whether or not technical communicators are sometimes too enamoured with the tools, and because of that lose sight of what's best for the reader.

DMN Communications (2008). Articles>TC>Technical Writing>Technology

A Curmudgeon's Guide to Computer Documentation

Is documentation a bad word? It is if you’re the Curmudgeon, a character I invented, who some say bears an amazing resemblance to … me.

West, Mike. MBWest.com. Articles>Documentation>Technology>Technical Writing

Technology Transfer: An Unparalleled Opportunity for Technical Writing Professionals    

This nation does not effectively transfer expensively acquired knowledge into cost-effective, labor-saving tools and processes.

Roberts, Suzanne S. IEEE PCS (1991). Articles>Knowledge Management>Technical Writing>Technology Transfer

David Pogue's Secret Weapon: Patience

New York Times gadget guy David Pogue, a former Broadway orchestra conductor and MacWorld back-page columnist, is probably the world's most widely read and watched tech product reviewer. As a fellow contributor to the Times, I can confirm that anything Pogue writes pulls down several times as many page views as my most popular work. How does he do it?

Boutin, Paul. Industry Standard (2009). Articles>Technology>Writing>Technical Writing

Writing Technical Articles

Some advice on writing articles about technology (and other topics) for a mass audience.

Nesbitt, Scott. ScottNesbitt.net (2008). Articles>Writing>Technology>Technical Writing

Writing Technically: Bad Docs Rarely Mean Bad Sales

Technical writing is a cost activity, not a revenue or a profit activity.

Basu, Anindita. Writing Technically (2009). Articles>Documentation>Technical Writing>Technology

Must-Follow Trends for Tech Writers

Changes are so massive, so fast, and coming from so many directions that it is impossible to keep up. Still, it’s important to try. For anything that applies to IT applies to tech writing. Writers must be know something about everything and be ready for it. We’re going to have to specialize and collaborate more than ever before.

2moro Docs (2009). Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>Technology