What Is a Web Designer?  

Leonard-Wilkinson identifies two kinds of Web designers: 'generalists' with programming skills who reason analytically, and 'specialists' with artistic skills who reason intuitively. She urges companies looking for Web designers to specify the skills they need in their job advertisements.

Leonard-Wilkinson, Theresa A. Intercom (2000). Articles>Web Design

What is Embedded Help?  

Defines embedded help as user assistance that is part of the behavior and real estate of the user interface of a software application. Discusses three types: the right embedded help pane, process-embedded help, and instructional embedding.

Zubak, Cheryl Lockett. Intercom (2000). Articles>Documentation>Help

What the Blazes Is a Blog?  

'Blogs,' or Web logs, are the newest form of one-way and interactive online communication to hit the Internet. Most people would agree that a 'blog' is a regularly updated set of Web pages with a chronological set of thoughts and links. Starting around 1999, the blog movement has gained so much momentum that hundreds of thousands of Web logs and many different styles of blog now exist.

Archee, Raymond K. Intercom (2003). Articles>Web Design>Publishing>Blogging

What to Do While You're Waiting  

Carruthers suggests several ways technical writers can use their downtime more productively.

Carruthers, R. Bruce. Intercom (2000). Careers>TC

The What, Why, How, and Where of DITA  

Is DITA right for your organization? This article provides a starting point for your own research on DITA.

Steiner, Rob. Intercom (2007). Articles>Information Design>XML>DITA

What's Ahead for Help? Remember Your Roots  

Presents several tips for applying traditional usability standards to online help development.

Zubak, Cheryl Lockett. Intercom (2002). Articles>Documentation>Usability

What's In a (Domain) Name?  

Archee discusses the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers' approval of seven new categories of Internet domain names.

Archee, Raymond K. Intercom (2001). Design>Web Design

What's in a Name?  

Details how managers of technical communication departments can cope with the difficulties generated by a corporate name change.

Lee, Denise D. Intercom (2002). Articles>TC>Branding

What's on Your Reading List?  

Three technical communication gurus answer the question, 'What is the last work-related book that you read, and how are you applying it to your job?'

Barnum, Carol M., John V. Hedtke and William Horton. Intercom (2002). Resources>Bibliographies>TC

What's to Become of the Tech Pubs Department? Technical Communication and Content Management  

As technical publications groups are finding themselves thrust upon the main stage of the global economy, they face new demands such as reconstituting themselves internally and resituating themselves in their wider organizations. Read on for ideas about how to incorporate content management (CM) into the process.

Boiko, Bob. Intercom (2007). Careers>TC>Management>Content Management

When English Isn't English  

Describes experiences creating documents for a company based in the United Kingdom. Some of the adjustments she had to make included spelling, paper sizes, date formatting, and delivery.

Scott, Julie S. Intercom (2000). Articles>TC>Regional>United Kingdom

When is XML the Wrong Answer?  

XML-based publishing challenges authors to convert from the familiar desktop-publishing routine to new tools. This article explains what you should consider when deciding whether to implement XML.

O'Keefe, Sarah S. Intercom (2007). Articles>Information Design>XML

When Technical Writers Don't Write Technically  

Technical writers are often asked to write more than just end-user manuals or online help systems. Due to company size, layoffs, or a lack of resources, the technical writer might also be expected to deliver marketing communication collateral, Web site content, training materials, and more. These additional tasks can daunt those who have not been formally trained in other writing styles or those who do not switch writing styles easily.

Statt, Ronald A. Intercom (2003). Articles>Writing>Style Guides>Technical Writing

Who is the "Older Adult" in Your Audience?  

Discusses a misunderstood demographic.

Chisnell, Dana E. and Janice C. 'Ginny' Redish. Intercom (2005). Design>Accessibility>User Centered Design>Elderly

Who's Policing the Policy Makers?  

This ethics case concerns a technical writer charged with the task of introducing new company policies to employees. The writer faces a dilemma when she discovers that the workplace habits of some managers contradict the policies. Reader responses to this ethics case will appear in an upcoming issue of Intercom.

Wiles, Debbie. Intercom (2001). Articles>Workplace>Ethics

Why Edit On Screen?  

Provides a thorough introduction to the practices of on-screen editing, including how to make corrections, insert questions and suggestions, and communicate the results to the author.

Hart, Geoffrey J.S. Intercom (2000). Articles>Editing>Online

Wiki-mania  

Wikipedia may be the biggest technical document ever created, but it and other Web 2.0 elements present challenges. Read about the popularity of Wikipedia, then let Intercom know about your professional experiences using wikis, blogs, and other Web 2.0 applications.

Intercom (2006). Articles>Web Design>Information Design>Wikis

Wizards  

Allen describes the uses, benefits, and drawbacks of 'wizards'--utilities that help users perform particular tasks.

Allen, Kristen. Intercom (2000). Design>User Interface>Wizards

Word Processing Style Sheets  

Given that word processors are now common tools for writers and available to most students at all educational levels, integrating the software into a technical writing or English (or other language) composition course seems part of a natural progression. If you teach writing or are involved with students who use word processors for class assignments or other purposes, consider a group exercise in designing style sheets or complete file templates. Such teamwork introduces students to the collaborative environment of the workplace and provides opportunities for ancillary analytical and creative activities. It also allows you, as the instructor, to review and evaluate compositions electronically. Further, using word processing software and defining standards for its use emulate professional documentation workflows.

Ware, Bill. Intercom (2003). Articles>Writing>Software>Word Processing

Work-Embedded E-Learning: Wherever You Are, Whenever You Need It  

New approaches in e-learning are stretching boundaries in exciting and game-changing ways. Find out about one of the newest ideas--work-embedded e-learning--that integrates learning materials directly into the work environment.

Berry, Kristine, Christopher Dawson and Harry Calhoun. Intercom (2007). Articles>Education>Online

Working in Global Teams  

Virtual, global teams require us to use our communication skills in ways that were unimaginable twenty years ago. Learn about ways to build successful working relationships in virtual environments.

Doulton, Melanie. Intercom (2007). Articles>Collaboration>International

Working with Employment Agencies  

As a professional recruiter and the owner of an agency that places technical writers, I have heard horror stories about some candidates’ experiences with employment agencies. Just as there are trustworthy car mechanics and those who are out to steal your money, there are reputable agencies and agencies that are, let us say, less than reputable. If an agency misrepresents you, you could lose a great job. Do the benefits of working with agencies outweigh the risks? I think so, especially if you are an independent contractor: Many companies will hire contractors only through agencies because of current tax laws.

Molisani, Jack. Intercom (2002). Careers>Advice>Employment Agencies

Working with Graphic Designers  

Offers suggestions to technical writers or project managers on how to successfully communicate design specifications to graphic designers. According to Petersen, an ideal design specification should include an introduction stating the purpose of the document and its audience, tender requirements, a list of elements that need designing, a list of document limitations, a list of necessary hardware and software, design suggestions, printing and distribution information, a list of people involved in the project, and design and project schedules.

Petersen, Judy H. Intercom (2000). Careers>Collaboration>Graphic Design

A Worldwide Phenomenon  

The movement toward a global standard definition for our profession will be a long process, but it is already underway. STC is playing an important role in ensuring that the process benefits its members and contributes to the competitiveness of the firms that employ them.

Burton, Susan. Intercom (2007). Articles>TC>Professionalism>International

Wowing Them with Your Web Site  

Fugate provides tips for designing Web sites, searching for ISPs, and increasing the likelihood of getting your site listed on search engines.

Fugate, Alice E. Intercom (2000). Design>Web Design