Previous Events
Programmer Writing Practices and Principals
May 22, 2010
Leah Cutter and Jim Causey
This workshop had two related presentations:
"Writing Better Code Examples" (Presentation Slides)
Leah Cutter talked about the information you need to understand the type
of developer your examples are designed to help, the different kinds of examples developers
need, and how to make sure your examples are error free. This talk is not about how to write
API or SDK documentation, but how to write better API or SDK docs.
"Planning and Managing API and SDK Projects
Jim Causey talked about how to plan your API and SDK projects to get the best value.
He also presented tips on working with a development team
and managing the API and SDK documentation process.
2009 Events and Workshops
ABC's of Documentation Useability Testing
November 17, 2009
Leah Guren
This presentation presents straight-forward guidelines and practical tips to allow any technical communicator to get started with low-cost useability testing. Leah Guren is the owner/operator of Cow TC and has been active in the field of technical communication since 1980. She now devotes her time to consulting and training in technical communication, primarily in Israel and Europe. Her clients include Intel, IBM, and Microsoft. Leah is currently serving on the board of directors of STC.
www.cowtc.com
Writing for Mobile Devices
October 20, 2009
Teresa Goertz and Jim Causey
Working with small screens is here to stay, running the gamut from writing user interface text and on-device help to creating documentation that enables developers to build great applications for mobile devices. The methodology used for traditional tech comm deliverables doesn't apply the same way in this space. So, if faced with a small screen, what do you differently? Teresa Goertz and Jim Causey from the Windows Mobile team talk about how they tackle this challenge every day as they write content for their consumer and developer-focused audiences.
Webcast
How to Use LinkedIn Effectively in a Job Search
September 15, 2009
Sabra Goldick
In this session, Sabra Goldick talks about how to get the most out of LinkedIn during a job search. She shares insights about profiles, contacts, groups, searching the LinkedIn database, introductions, finding jobs, and preparing for interviews.
Presentation Slides
Constructing and Using Personas in Software User Assistance
May 19, 2009
Dave Farkas
This presentation reviews audience analysis and personas, explains the rhetorical theory underlying the use of internal dialogs with an imagined audience, explains how to conduct internal dialogs, and demonstrates the value of this technique. Dave Farkas is a Professor in the Department of Technical Communication at the University of Washington. He has pursued his interest in user support
for more than 20 years and has published and presented widely in this area. Dave is an STC Fellow and a recipient of the Jay R. Gould award for distinguished teaching.
Introduction to SDK Writing
May 16, 2009
Mike Wasson
Mike discusses the tasks that an SDK writer has to perform and the skills needed for the job. Session topics include:
- How SDK documentation fits into the software development cycle.
- Who is the audience for SDK documentation.
- What SDK documentation looks like; the different types of SDK documentation.
- Overview of the SDK documentation process, from specification to publishing.
- The skills you need to be an SDK writer.
Mike has been a programmer-writer at Microsoft since 1999. Before that, he was a technical editor and copy editor. He has a B.S. in computer science from University of Hawai`i
Power of a Story
April 21, 2009
Mary Wise
Everyone has stories to tell, and knowing how to tell them well is what we do as professional communicators. In this presentation, Mary R. Wise shares her thinking about the power of story and storytelling, and how it can apply to
our jobs as technical communicators. Maybe the first rule of technical communication is not "Know your audience," but "What's the story?" Mary is a Senior Communications Manager at Fannie Mae and is a Fellow and Past President of STC.
Content Convergence
April 25, 2009
Rahel Anne Bailie
In this workshop, Rahel Anne Bailie, content strategist and founder of Vancouver, BC-based Intentional Design Inc., talks about content managment strategies. Call it content management meets Web 2.0, content convergence and integration, or simply staying ahead of the curve.
Exploring Alternative Careers/Resume Secrets
April 4, 2009
Gloria Campbell and Jack Molisani
In this workshop, Gloria Campbell and Jack Molisani will discuss alternative careers for technical communicators, either for now or after 'retirement'. Jack will also talk about secrets for improving your resume.
Identifying Future Skills for Technical Communicators: An Action Plan
March 17, 2009
Karina Allen
Karina and a team of technical communicators worked together to identify potential future skills required in today’s information-based economy. Karina will explain the process they used, their findings, and their recommendations for other technical communication groups. Karina is a technical communicator at The Boeing Company, where she works on web development, process improvement, and software documentation. She has a B.S. in Technical Communication from the University of Washington and is interested in user-centered design, usability, and human-computer interaction.
Search Engine Optimization: If You Build It, Will They Come?
February 17, 2009
Peggy Merrill
While no one can guarantee placement at the top of a search engine's results page, using "organic" techniques can enhance the likelihood of making it into that coveted territory. Peggy will share the "White Hat" techniques the search engine algorithms favor, while also pointing out the "Black Hat" techniques to avoid to keep from being blacklisted by Google and others. Peggy teaches web design and Adobe software classes at Bellevue Community College, Cascadia Community College, Shoreline Community College and the University of Washington and is a partner in Pegasus Web Training and Consulting.
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