I got a soundbar for my birthday, to complement our big plasma TV’s little speakers. I did my Web research on soundbars, but couldn’t decide among all the types available, so I went to an electronics store and put my fate in the hands of a salesman. He sold me a brand I hadn’t beenContinue reading “When the Instructions Are Wrong (Back It Goes)”
Author Archives: Steven Jong
Back to Square One
It’s funny how the business cycle works. I’ve been working in the same office for five years, but thanks to acquisitions I’ve had four employers in that time, with the most recent change August 1. (Believe me, I’m not complaining!) For the purpose of this discussion it doesn’t matter what company it is; given itsContinue reading “Back to Square One”
What the Heck is PEARS?
Certification applicants are beginning to hear about an entirely new submission process. What is it, and how is it better? Here’s a brief explanation and description of the process.
Interview on certification for Tech Writer in Action
On his blog Tech Writer News, Angel Candelario, moderator of the LinkedIn group Technical Writer in Action, interviewed me about the CPTC credential. You can read the interview here.
Why I Stopped Reading “Dilbert”
These days I have to pick and choose what I read. I still read newspapers, but mostly through the web. I still read comic strips, though mostly through subscription emails. One strip I used to read, and even subscribed to, was Scott Adams’s “Dilbert.” But I’ve given it up, and I thought I would tellContinue reading “Why I Stopped Reading “Dilbert””
Herman Melville, technical writer
As I write this, the anniversary of the publication of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick (as it was originally titled) is noted on Google. The novel is getting a celebrity Web reading. What timing! I recently finished listening to a complete audio recording. (Thanks, LibriVox.org!) The work is on the short list of consensus nominees for TheContinue reading “Herman Melville, technical writer”
The Evidence of Things Seen and Unseen
Our first home was unfinished. (It was the only way we could afford one at the time.) We finished the second floor ourselves, and we learned how to build it along the way, so it wasn’t of the highest quality. The house itself wasn’t framed perfectly plumb or square to start with, but houses neverContinue reading “The Evidence of Things Seen and Unseen”
Steven Jong 