STC Elections
Running for Region 1 Director-Sponsor
By Donna Ford
I can't always tell why a thing fascinates me, but I always know when it does.
Tossing my hat in the ring for Region 1 Director-Sponsor is one of those fascinating ideas that I never dreamed possible. All the more reason for doing it! The waters may prove deeper and less familiar than anything I've done to date, but the vessel, the STC, is the same.
The society has provided many opportunities since I joined 11 years ago…particularly contact with peers who daily deal with issues common to technical communicators and still enjoy it. Who else but a group of technical communicators would tour a museum's exhibit and joyfully critique the museum's brochure design? That's what we four international technical publications competition judges did two years ago in Atlanta. Try that with your spouse!
Serving at the chapter level, first as a competitions judge and then on the board for several years, has been my way of thanking the STC and of realizing what I enjoy best—sharing knowledge. I see the Region 1 Director-Sponsor position as a further opportunity to share what I've learned with others and to help them achieve their goals.
Shared Experience
For example, at this October's Central Connecticut STC meeting for students, I spoke about the software tools that ought to be familiar to today's technical communicators (see the chart at http://www.writeondesign.com/misc/toolsfortechwrite.htm). This was in answer to questions students, engineers and others in technical positions often ask me as they consider becoming technical writers:
- "I can write. What else do I need to do?" Try learning the software tools used in this profession.
- "Which ones?" Here's the list. Word and HTML, for starters.
- "How do I learn them?" Take a course at the local community college. Or download 30-day trial versions and practice with a project you've always wanted to do…create your own Web site…build an interactive CD…print a brochure to market your hobby.
- "Who can I ask for help?" Any STC member; check the Chapter membership directory for a list of experts who use that tool.
For all technical communicators, I add these hints:
- Learn to troubleshoot software tools—Call or e-mail technical support. Study the online knowledge bases. If anyone in your office has a problem with a tool, find out what they did to resolve it. We don't get paid for knowing Word; we get paid for knowing how to make Word do what needs to be done.
- Be prepared for change—You can't predict the future, but you should be well-read in order to get a head start…before yesterday's trends become today's tool set. The STC provides two great resources: intercom and the Technical Communication Journal.
- In between jobs? Practice with a new software tool so you can spruce up your resume.
Shared Resources
Personal travels over the years have taken me to every state/province included in Region 1. (Note that the UK, France, and Sweden are no longer included in this Region and that New Jersey and Philadelphia chapters have been added.) I am familiar with the economic scenarios, product lines, job market, and needs of technical communicators who live and work here. More than that…I, too, am personally affected by these industry/marketing trends.
Regardless of this election's outcome, you may consider me a resource willing to travel. Feel free to invite me to speak at your chapter's meeting/conference. I have worked as technical writer, Web designer, and computer-based training/curriculum developer. Information design and current software tools are favorite subjects. Or use my Web site, http://www.writeondesign.com, as a resource.
With STC members eagerly embracing the latest communication strategies, from e-mail to listservs to Yahoo groups, there is no reason for our members to be strangers. Send your questions and concerns to me by e-mail at donna@evolve.net. Answers are available.
Your Region 1 Director-Sponsor will always be glad to hear from YOU!
Donna Ford can be reached at donna@evolve.net.
|
