The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is an international professional society for the advancement of the theory and practice of technical communication. It has hundreds of local chapters (also known as 'communities.'
#25060
CD-ROM Development At AG Communication Systems: How We Did The Wrong Thing The Right Way 
Time constraints prevented our team from rewriting our user's guide for online use. Early user testing and off-the-shelf electronic tools were key elements that ensured our success in enhancing usability to cancel the deadening effect of data dumping. We added menus and graphical navigation aids for user convenience. Interleaf provided automatic hypertext links and support throughout the project. We included an installation-and-reference guide to inform new-to-online users how to install and use the our product.
McDermott, Roberta J. STC Proceedings (1994). Design>Multimedia>CD ROM
#30270
CD-ROM Publishing: Personal Coaching From Industry Experts
Are you considering publishing your documentation on CD-ROM? Sign up for a consultation with experts from leading CD-ROM firms. NOTE: This 'workshop' takes place in individual 15-minute one-on-one sessions. Please try to arrive early and sign up for your time slot; then you're on your own (visit the exhibits? call your office?) until your session time. This way, all participants receive the complete attention of a CD-ROM consultant. We'll work with drop-ins if any time slots remain unassigned.
Gale, John, Stephanie L. Rosenbaum and Pamela Sansbury. STC Proceedings (1994). Articles>Multimedia>CD ROM
#24806
CD-ROM Publishing: Personal Coaching from Industry Experts
Are you considering publishing your documentation on CD-ROM? Sign up for an individual consultation with industry experts. NOTE: This "workshop" takes place in individual 15-minute one-on-one sessions; with three consultants, we can offer 20 sessions. Please try to arrive early and sigh up for your time slot; then you're on your own (for example, to visit exhibits or meet with colleagues) until your session time. This way all participants receive the complete attention of a CD-ROM consultant. We'll work with drop-ins if any time slots remain unassigned.
Gale, John, Stephanie L. Rosenbaum and Pamela Sansbury. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Publishing>CD ROM
#30395
CD-ROM: From Print to Prototype
A panel of industry experts provides an overview of the CD-ROM publishing process--and its business issues--for technical communicators who are responsible for John Gale implementing CD-ROM publishing in their organizations. The panelists will discuss how to gain the benefits of reduced manufacturing warehousing and distribution costs, without degrading documentation quality.
Rosenbaum, Stephanie L., John Gale and Pamela Sansbury. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Documentation>CD ROM>Online
#30396
CD-ROM: From Print to Prototype
There are many significant benefits to releasing documentation on CD ROM rather than on hardcopy including cost savings, storage capacity, and the ability to implement search and retrieval functionality. To determine whether or not you should go to CD ROM, it is advisable to survey your users and to get approval from the folks in "corporate." Once you decide to pursue CD ROM, you need to determine the platform requirements and feature set of the search and retrieval software. You will then be able to choose from a variety of products, and ask the selected vendor to produce a prototype for you.
Florsheim, Stewart J. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Documentation>CD ROM>Online
#20724
Centralized versus Distributed Organizational Structures
The nature of a corporation and its product line(s) influences the optimal structure for your information-development organization. When lines of business are unrelated, information-development organizations may best function independently; when lines of business are interrelated, the groups need a unified strategy. While favored by product developers and business leaders, distributed structures can produce inconsistent information quality to customers. Centralized organizations can meet customer needs, but they are often perceived as focusing on publication quality rather than content. The best solution may be a hybrid structure that takes advantage of the strengths of both.
Hackos, JoAnn T. STC Proceedings (1999). Articles>Information Design>Workflow
#24023
Certification for Technical Communicators: The Time is Now
The Society for Technical Communication (STC) has been debating certification for technical communicators for over 37 years in one form or another. Despite many attempts locally, regionally, and nationally to move toward establishing a certification process for the profession, the issue remains on hold.
Jacobson, Peggy. STC Puget Sound (2004). Careers>Certification
#23619
Certifications and Credentials for Scientific Editors
Most professionals want to further their careers over the course of their working life. Scientific editors as a whole do not have well-defined paths for establishing their careers, unlike professionals such as lawyers and doctors, where the educational and credentialing processes are well established. Where can scientific editors get their training? Where can they get experience? This paper will explore experiences, certifications and credentials, as well as training, and degrees, specific to scientific editing that can help further the careers of scientific editors.
Firestone, Elaine R., Tony Caruso, Barbara Simmons, Earlene Hammock, Michael Ebinger and Sushil K. Oswal. STC Proceedings (2003). Careers>Certification>Editing>Scientific Communication
#13128
Certifying Technical Communicators: An Historical Perspective
STC members have shown interest in being certified as technical communicators for at least 37 years. The Society has made at least four studies of certification. This paper reviews the work of the 1975-80, 1981, 1982-87 and 1994-1998 committees. The three, multi-year studies had essentially the same results; significant numbers want certification, but too few to make a full certification program economically viable. The studies also revealed that creating a certification program might be divisive. The 1982—-87 study revealed an interest by employers in STC having an accreditation program.
Malcolm, Andrew and Lawrence D. Kunz. STC Proceedings (2001). Careers>Certification>TC>History
#19846
Challenges and Advantages of Modular Documentation
Using a modular process has proven highly effective in developing both on-line and printed documentation. This paper identifies module types and structures, discusses technical, psychological, and management hurdles, and demonstrates how this process can improve consistency and quality. In addition it discusses tools and resources, preliminary planning, preparation of personnel, and (briefly) tracking results.
Greene, Linda L. STC Proceedings (2000). Articles>Documentation>Single Sourcing
#23624
Challenges for Technical Communicators in Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics, a specialized field in the area of biotechnology, has been a major growth market for the last decade. Generally, bioinformatics companies serve pharmaceutical and other life science research institutes by providing powerful computational solutions for the analysis, storage, and integration of molecular data. The project-oriented organizational structures, international environment, and interdisciplinary approaches that characterize bioinformatics companies provide a wealth of challenges and opportunities. Technical communicators who want to work in this field must be willing to apply strategies and techniques that enable them to streamline communication channels and write effective documentation.
Weirich, Margaret. STC Proceedings (2003). Articles>Scientific Communication>Biomedical
#18833
The Challenges of Technical Illustration for Customer Documentation in the High Tech Environment
As emerging computer technology and new graphics software packages allow for the creation of illustration and design by individuals without formal training, traditional illustrators from the “pen and pencil” era are continually challenged to compete in the industry. Choosing a career path in the technical documentation field presents a unique set of challenges for the technical illustrator and designer. This paper identijes the role of a technical illustrator and the tools and skills required for success in a high tech environment.
Moore, Donna Lynn. STC Proceedings (1997). Careers>TC>Graphic Design>Technical Illustration
#24420
Challenging Old Key Factor Assumptions to Revamp Documentation Strategy
The Information Products (IP) group at Sun Microsystems Computer Company (SMCC) recently revamped thew documentation strategy for computer server products. While creating the new model, we realized that our goal for more streamlined documentation would be more attainable if we did not restrict ourselves. Instead of starting with an old, key factor assumption — that manuals should be written with 'Who is the customer?' in mind — we addressed questions such as 'What tasks are required during installation and maintenance?' and 'Who perform these tasks?' By replacing some old ideas with fresh ones, we developed a new documentation strategy.
Daniels-Ball, Denise. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Documentation>Case Studies
#22137
Change Management For Content Management Projects 
A content management initiative is a lot about change--changing the way people think and work. Ensure that you have a change management plan in place. If you have change management personnel in-house, get them involved in your project as soon as you make the decision to adopt a content management initiative. If you don't have change management personnel, consider hiring consultants who specialize in change management.
Rockley, Ann. STC Hoosier (2004). Articles>Content Management>Project Management
#23796
The Changing and Emerging Role of the Instructional Developer
Today's instructional developer is required to know much more than the Instructional Systems Design methodology. He/she must know a multitude of authoring tools, and must also know the storyboarding and development process for designing technology-based learning programs. Technology-based learning presents four unique challenges for instructional developers. These are: accommodating different learning styles; addressing differing technologies in learners’ computers; developing training packages for mass quantities of learners; and acquiring new skill sets. Technology-based learning also presents many new opportunities for instructional developers, including the chance to develop exciting tools such as wizards, coaches, and computer-based training programs.
Levin, Marissa. STC Proceedings (1999). Articles>Education>Instructional Design
#30233
Changing How the World Communicates: Secondary Curricula in Technical Communication
To prepare today's students for the world of work, language arts curricula should include reading and writing about technical subjects as well as about works of literature. Many students have difficulty comprehending computer documentation, safety instructions, and product manuals. They are also ill prepared to do the kinds of writing and speaking required on the job. This panel will address the following topics, as well as others raised by the audience.
Hayhoe, George F., E. Thomas Abbott, Ronald S. Blicq, Lisa A. Moretto and Trish Pollick. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Education>TC
#18850
The Changing Role of the Technical Communicator
How many times have you said, 'I wouldn’t have to write 20 pages of documentation to explain this if the product was designed correctly in the first place!' Given our focus on user advocacy, the melding of the Web and the desktop, and the changes—away from those with which we’ve historically been associated—in the tools we use to develop information, we’re in a prime position to become more involved in product design. This paper briefly describes how the field is changing for many technical communicators and what you need to know to move into this exciting area.
Ames, Andrea L. STC Proceedings (2002). Careers>TC
#20152
Changing the Way the Profession Communicates: A Workshop for Prospective Journal Authors
This session will help participants understand how to write and submit a manuscript for publication in Technical Communication. It covers the types of articles the journal publishes, its audience, and suggestions for choosing topics, doing research, andpreparing a manuscript.
Hayhoe, George F. STC Proceedings (1997). Articles>Publishing>Writing
#26211
Changing the Way the Profession Communicates: A Workshop for Prospective Journal Peer Reviewers
More than 90% of Technical Communication readers are informed practitioners--writers, editors, illustrators, designers, trainers, and project managers. About 10% are teachers and students. They come from diverse backgrounds as well as from technical communication programs.
Hayhoe, George F. STC Orange County (1998). Articles>Rhetoric>Audience Analysis>Surveys
#18199
Changing to Outwit Change: Staying Motivated in the '90s
Keeping motivation high and steady has never been easy; the changes of the 1990’s have made self-motivation even more difficult. We are expected to do more, faster, and better--with less structure and supervision. Simultaneously, other demands upon our time and energy have built, not lessened. Although the seriousness of these challenges cannot be denied, they can be met by the development of a motivational strategy requiring self-knowledge, self-discipline, and the willingness to change, as well as offering concrete ways of coping with the 90’s and making them productive, even happy. This Workshop will be a team presentation, alternating motivational theory/practice with supporting theories of brain functioning.
Weis, Monica and Alec Sutherland. STC Proceedings (1996). Presentations>TC>History
#18198
Changing to Outwit Change: Staying Motivated in the '90s
Keeping motivation high and steady has never been easy; the changes of the 1990’s have made self-motivation even more difficult. We are expected to do more, faster, and better--with less structure and supervision. Simultaneously, other demands upon our time and energy have built, not lessened. Although the seriousness of these challenges cannot be denied, they can be met by the development of a motivational strategy requiring self-knowledge, self-discipline, and the willingness to change, as well as offering concrete ways of coping with the 90’s and making them productive, even happy. This Workshop will be a team presentation, alternating motivational theory/practice with supporting theories of brain functioning.
Weis, Monica and Alec Sutherland. STC Proceedings (1996). Presentations>TC>History
#27352
Chapter Development Stem Overview
The Chapter Development Stem offers sessions for all conference participants, not just the STC leadership. We have broadened the scope of the stem to create room for some new and innovative topics that compliment our traditional mix of chapter-related sessions. So take a look at what we have to offer and think about how you can include several Chapter Development sessions in your conference plans.
Hoyt, Thomas B. STC Proceedings (1994). Articles>Collaboration>Community Building
#22881
Chapter Public Relations: Learn from the Winners
After nearly six years as a technical editor, I wanted a larger, more visible role in the environmental engineering company where I worked. Learning new skills in marketing and public relations through the Mid-South Chapter put me in the position to do that when my company reorganized its marketing functions this year. In this paper, I focus on the management skills I learned managing the public relations committee for our chapter.
Carbaugh King, Margaret. STC Proceedings (1997). Careers>Management>Marketing
#30482
The following regional STC chapters have established their own scholarship programs. Please visit the chapter Web sites listed below for more information.
#24705
Chapter seminars help members by providing current technical communication information, significant additional chapter funding, recruitment of new members, and a proving ground for new leaders. Seminars need a definite organization and leaders need clearly defined responsibilities and authorities. Seminars must provide useful relevant information, either focused or diverse, delivered effectively by skilled speakers. Seminars are not expanded monthly meetings; they must be quiet properly equipped pleasant facilities. Seminar finances must be balanced to provide the desired surplus, or the sting of lost funds will linger long after the sweet success of a stimulating program is forgotten.
Malcolm, Andrew. STC Proceedings (1994). Articles>Collaboration>Community Building>STC
