#14672
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
#29461
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
#15226
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
#14693
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
#15227
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
#14742
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
#28557
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
#15228
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
#30122
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
#31360
When Tech Writers Don't Read Directions
Find out what the Unspoken Rule of technical writers is and how to avoid violating it.
Minson, Benjamin. Intercom (2008). Articles>Documentation>Writing>Technical Writing
#19667
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
#24919
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
#14703
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
#15229
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
#28272
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
#14667
Allen describes the uses, benefits, and drawbacks of 'wizards'--utilities that help users perform particular tasks.
Allen, Kristen. Intercom (2000). Design>User Interface>Wizards
#19686
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
#29460
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
#28805
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
#15230
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
#15231
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
#29923
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
#14669
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
#14750
The Writer As a Member of the Scientific Team
In this reprint from the June 1958 issue of Technical Communications, a publication of the Technical Publishing Society (one of STC's parent organizations), Candelaria discusses the differing but equally important contributions of writers and scientists to scientific publication.
Candelaria, Nash. Intercom (2002). Articles>Scientific Communication
#15232
Writers Who Love Words Too Much
Cautions writers against a variety of linguistic sins.
Belding, Janet R. Intercom (2002). Articles>Writing>Rhetoric
