The Technical Communicator's Transformation: Publishing On-Time and On-Quality  

Results from Aberdeen’s study of over 360 technical publications department indicate that most organizations adopting topic-based authoring see benefits primarily in terms of project schedule improvements. However, a few see consistent improvements to authoring budgets, localization costs, and the quality of communications. Aberdeen’s research suggests that these differences largely result from how topic-based methodology is implemented and supported. Making the transition to a topic-based authoring requires a dramatic shift in the daily operations of a technical communications department. Meeting the challenges transitioning to a structured authoring approach can result in a wide range of performance benefits. Failing to adequately address these challenges can add an unprecedented layer of complexity that can significantly burden technical communications projects. However, findings ways to successfully evade these obstacles provides the opportunity to achieve greater value from the initiative. This report identifies the attributes most common to the Best-in-Class and provides a guide for organizations attempting to realize the potential of topic-based authoring.

David Houlihan. Aberdeen Group (2008). Organizations>Technology>Technical Writing>White Papers

Why Use A Wiki?

The aim of this paper is to introduce the concept of the Web-based collaborative authoring environment commonly referred to as wikis, and examine how they can be used in a corporate publishing environment. The paper also includes suggested techniques for transferring existing content from native authoring tools into a wiki format for online delivery.

Porter, Alan J. Shortcovers (2009). Articles>Content Management>Wikis>White Papers

Google Insights: A Social Barometer for the Digital Age

Grant Whiteside looks at Google Insights for Search tool and how it can give you a pictorial breakdown of the social barometer.

Whiteside, Grant. Scribd (2009). Articles>Internet>Assessment>White Papers

White Papers: How Vista Print Signed Up 5,000 Subscribers in 60 Days

Have you considered writing White Papers for your clients, or offering them to your own prospective customers as a lead-generating device? If you operate in a technical field, I think you should definitely consider a White Paper. You can either write one ourself or have someone else write it for you.

Akinci, Ugur. Technical Communication Center (2009). Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>White Papers

How To Write a White Paper to Attract Clients

Do you have a new idea, business model, product or service? Do you want to get noticed by using a marketing method that might only cost you time? Try writing a white paper to attract people to your door.

Markenson, Ari J. Dumb Little Man (2009). Articles>Business Communication>White Papers>Marketing

White Paper Writing: Strategies for Success

White papers are a fundamental part of your marketing arsenal. And if you think technical writers don't need to worry about marketing, read on to see why white paper writing is an essential skill, and how to turn a ho-hum paper into a killer communications tool.

HelpScribe (2009). Articles>Business Communication>Technical Writing>White Papers

Using Twitter For White Papers 

Are you scratching your head trying to come up with current trends on a particular white paper topic? Why not tap into Twitter? By using applications that harness the power of this vast network, you can selectively search the Twittersphere for trends in your industry.

Parcher, Apryl. Writing White Papers (2009). Articles>Business Communication>White Papers>Social Networking