I’ve been thinking a lot of late about the value we provide as technical communicators. What do our users value? What do our clients value? What do we value? Ideally, all three interests align, but in the real world, we all know they conflict. For example, we might want to deliver the most delightful userContinue reading “The value of our work”
Author Archives: Steven Jong
Come to the Summit!
The economic downturn has affected us all, and this year’s Annual Summit (May 3-6) may seem like an expense you can live without. But I think that this is the best time in many years to invest in yourself and your career. And like many investment opportunities these days, you can pick it up forContinue reading “Come to the Summit!”
Messy
I noticed a few months ago that my blog entries were being shown oldest first. It looked as if I hadn’t posted anything in a couple of years! My actual posting rate is (somewhat) better than that. The WordPress Web site said a SQL bug was causing the problem, and a newer release solved the problem.Continue reading “Messy”
The Best Technical Document in the World
This past weekend I served as a consensus judge at STC’s International Technical Publications Competition (ITPC). I’ve participated before, as a telephone (remote) judge, on-site judge, and Best-of-Show judge. This year STC conducted an experiment in cost cutting. The Boston and Northern New England chapters, which (if I do say so myself as a member and localContinue reading “The Best Technical Document in the World”
What is it that we do, exactly?
What is a technical communicator, and why would you hire one? The answer to that question is called a value proposition. In general, it’s a statement of the unique value added by any person, product, or service that explains why you’d want to spend money. For technical communicators, it’s not something we’re used to offering,Continue reading “What is it that we do, exactly?”
Top 10 IT certifications: Tools, tools, tools, and … project management?
In an opinion piece posted 12/10/2008 TechRepublic.com, Erik Eckel, former executive editor of TechRepublic, listed what he thought are the ten best IT certifications: Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) CompTIA’s Security+ Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) CompTIA’s A+ Project Management Institute Project Management Professional (PMP)Continue reading “Top 10 IT certifications: Tools, tools, tools, and … project management?”
The Joy of … Reading the Manual?
Naturally, I encourage people to read the manual; the more demand for manuals, the more demand for people who create them. I try to practice what I preach. Reading the manual is a competitive advantage. Expose yourself to all the features of a new tool and you’re halfway to being a guru. It does myContinue reading “The Joy of … Reading the Manual?”
Steven Jong 