Integrating Graphics with Text  

A teacher at the University of Memphis, Albers describes a two-tiered assignment he developed to help students address problems they encounter when trying to integrate text and graphics.

Albers, Michael J. Intercom (2000). Articles>Rhetoric>Graphic Design>Visual Rhetoric

Intellectual Capital: Placing a Value on Technical Communication  

Carliner discusses the emerging discipline of intellectual capital, which attempts to develop accounting techniques for quantifying the 'brainpower' of corporations. The new service-oriented economy, Carliner argues, renders traditional accounting methods inadequate for determining the value of intangibles such as policies and procedures, the knowledge of a staff, and relationships with customers.

Carliner, Saul. Intercom (2000). Articles>Knowledge Management

Intelligent Terminology Management  

Using multiple terms to refer to the same concepts can be a major cause of confusion. Ray explains how to implement a process to consolidate the terminology used by your organization.

Ray, Rebecca. Intercom (2006). Articles>Writing>Style Guides>Glossary

Intercom

Intercom is the magazine of STC. It features articles of interest to technical communicators, focusing on practical tips for working more effectively.

Intercom. Journals>TC

Intercom's Annual Humor Contest  

The editor of Intercom introduces the magazine's annual humor contest. This year, readers are asked to submit made-up words that relate to some aspect of technical communication.

Martin, Maurice. Intercom (2000). Humor>TC

An Interest-ing Dilemma  

A Web developer experiences uncertainty upon being asked to develop a site for a questionable start-up company.

Schroer-Motz, Leeanne. Intercom (2007). Articles>Web Design>Ethics

International Issues in Copyright: Frequently Asked Questions  

The area of copyright can be confusing and presents numerous questions. Juillet provides answers to some common copyright questions, such as who holds the copyright in a work-for-hire situation and whether a copyright needs to be registered to have protection.

Juillet, Christopher. Intercom (2007). Articles>Intellectual Property>Copyright>International

Internationalizing Online Training  

Online training is becoming increasingly popular; however, geographic and cultural distance can work to your disadvantage. St.Amant outlines how to set up a training program that both attracts and benefits communicators in locations around the globe.

St. Amant, Kirk R. Intercom (2006). Articles>Education>Online>Localization

Internet Resources for Editors  

This month, I’ll depart slightly from my usual topic and focus on onscreen practices that aren’t actual edits—but that support activities such as fact-checking that we must perform while editing. Specifically, I’ll describe how to use the Internet as a research tool to improve the quality of your editing.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Intercom (2003). Articles>Editing>Online

Internet Technology and Intellectual Property  

This article outlines the complex legal environment surrounding the Internet, copyright law, and intellectual property.

Le Vie, Donald S., Jr. Intercom (2000). Articles>Technology>Intellectual Property

Interviewing for Performance  

The author discusses how managers can best prepare for an interview to ensure that the perfect candidate for the job is selected. The article also includes charts that can be used to assess a candidateï¿ï¿ï¿s performance in key areas such as tool skill level, knowledge of online help, and analytical ability.

Bailey, Elizabeth. Intercom (2006). Careers>Management>Interviewing

An Introduction to Extensible Stylesheet Language  

Introduces the three technologies that comprise the Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) family of specifications as defined by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

Hodge, Drew W. Intercom (2004). Articles>Information Design>XML>XSL

An Introduction to Illustration Software  

Follas describes the differences between various types of graphic editing software.

Follas, Brian J. Intercom (2001). Design>Graphic Design>Software

Introduction to Interaction Design  

This column explores trends in Web design, describes techniques, and offers advice on how to design successful and valuable Web sites.

Leonard-Wilkinson, Theresa A. Intercom (2003). Articles>Web Design>Interactive

Introduction to PowerPoint  

Discusses how to prepare a PowerPoint slide show.

Nielan, Cate. Intercom (2001). Articles>Presentations>Software>Microsoft PowerPoint

Introduction to Single Source, Part 1  

In the first of a two-part article, Butland examines the arguments for and against single sourcing, a method of producing documentation for several media from a single source. He also discusses the differences between manuals and help, and offers suggestions on how to conduct single source projects involving these media.

Butland, Philip. Intercom (2001). Articles>Content Management>Single Sourcing

Introduction to Single Source, Part 2  

In the second installment of a two-part article, Butland discusses obstacles to single sourcing and how to overcome them. Part 1, which explored the advantages of single sourcing and discussed the differences between manuals and help, was published in the February 2001 issue of Intercom.

Butland, Philip. Intercom (2001). Articles>Content Management>Single Sourcing

Is "Intercultural" Communication a Moot Point?  

Good writing is good writing in any language, and focusing on the quality of the writing in your own language is a great start to any communication with people from other cultures.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Intercom (2007). Articles>Writing>Communication>International

Is a Game Always Just a Game?  

Smith presents a hypothetical dilemma in which a technical writer discovers that a product she's documenting falls short of the extravagant claims published in her company's marketing materials.

Smith, Charlsye J. Intercom (2002). Articles>Workplace>Ethics

Is Distance Education for You?  

Cooke discusses the benefits and drawbacks of distance education.

Cooke, Lynne. Intercom (2000). Articles>Education>Online

Is Lone Writing Becoming a Team Sport?    

Larbi discusses the transition—including advantages—that many lone writers face as globalization becomes more prevalent and individual consultants transform into lone writer teams.

Larbi, Nancy E. Intercom (2008). Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>Collaboration

Is the Independent Life for You?  

Frick lists thirteen questions for people who want to know if they have the personality to succeed at self-employment.

Frick, Elizabeth A. 'Betsy'. Intercom (2001). Careers>Freelance

Is Your Documentation Translation-Ready?  

Describes several ways technical communicators can prepare their documentation for translation.

Potsus, Whitney Beth and Kaarina Kvaavik. Intercom (2001). Articles>Language>Localization

Is Your Multimedia Script "Listenable"?  

Recommends improving multimedia scripts by limiting the use of acronyms, passives, and abstractions.

Cohen, Gerald. Intercom (2000). Design>Multimedia>Writing

January 15, 2002, through April 15, 2002  

This report covers specifications, standards, and amendments received from January 15, 2002, through April15, 2002.

Bach, Claudia. Intercom (2002). Articles>History>TC