FrameMaker Batch Processing and Automation Using MIF   

Have you ever wanted to check a large set of FrameMaker files to make sure all the borders, text- symbols, and rulers are turned off? What about hyperlinks? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to automatically validate all the hypertext links within a large set of FrameMaker files? Did you ever wish there was a way to automatically convert a set of data into FrameMaker tables? You can do all these things, and more, using the Maker Interchange Format (MIF). This article presents some of the main features of MIF and gives an overview of some of the ways you can make use of MIF. Additional articles will delve deeper into using Perl to process MIF, providing details on specific applications.

Larsen, Seraphim. Silicon Valley Connection (2002). Articles>Document Design>Software>Adobe FrameMaker

Selling for Technical Writers 

Selling is an art that all of us must use at some point in our lives. Some of us have a natural talent and selling is easy. For others, it is a struggle and they have to work at it. Dave Peyton, the CEO of Altadero Systems, shared the best of his selling secrets at the STC Silicon Valley October meeting 'Selling for Technical Writers.'

Kostiouk, Vera. Silicon Valley Connection (2003). Careers>TC

Technical Communication + Comedy Improv = FUN! 

Do technical communication and improvisational comedy have common themes? If you answered, 'No,' then you were not at the November Silicon Valley Chapter meeting 'Comedy Improv.' Bonni Graham and M. Désireé Snider, both from The Creative Urges, a San Diego-based improvisational comedy group, presented skits to audience members showing parallels between communication and improvisational comedy. After each skit, Graham explained how the skits related to technical communicators.

Golden, Dara. Silicon Valley Connection (2003). Articles>TC

The Tyranny of Typography 

Authors accustomed to controlling every aspect of their document's presentation are often frustrated by their inability to control document presentation on the Web. There is a Web Uncertainty Principle that says you cannot simultaneously determine the presentation of a document to all viewers and maintain its 'webness.' It is impossible, and it is a good thing. What appear to be problems controlling typography are the result of permitting users to control how information is presented to them. Modern web browsers provide many opportunities for users to change an author's intended presentation. To some this is a problem — possibly, a threat — while to others it is liberating.

Linderman, R. Ivan. Silicon Valley Connection (2002). Design>Typography>Web Design

Use Principles When Preparing Documentation 

Documentation can be the last place customers look and the first place to which support staff point, when trying to solve problems. Mediocre documentation will just be a useless brick, adding nothing to the foundation of a product or service that a business provides. Exemplary documentation is known by its successful users. It shows that the business values and intently considers its development. Having the highest standards to satisfy customers shows a business is not indifferent to what it provides, especially information.

Geers, Frederick. Silicon Valley Connection (2002). Articles>Documentation

Writing for Different Audiences: MarComm Writing Tactics   

How is technical writing different from MarComm writing? Can technical writers be good marketing writers - and vice versa? What should technical writers know about marketing writing? Thea Teich answered these questions in her seminar Marketing Communication: Timing, Targeting, and Tactics presented at April's Writers in the Workplace Conference and Job Fair held in Sacramento. Teich, the current STC First Vice President, noted that basic technical communication (TC) skills must be used differently for Marketing Communication (MarComm). For example, in TC the audience has often already purchased the product, while in MarComm, the audience is contemplating purchasing the product.

Golden, Dara. Silicon Valley Connection (2003). Articles>Writing>Marketing