Welcome to TiddlyWiki created by Jeremy Ruston, Copyright © 2007 UnaMesa Association
Deadlines for article submissions for this year are:
|!Issue|!Deadline|
|March|March 7|
|April|March 28|
|May|April 25|
|Summer|June 6|
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<h3>Kristin Kirkham, President</h3>
Email: <a href="mailto:prez@stc-dfw.org">prez@stc-dfw.org</a>
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[<img[KKirkham_photo.JPG]]When she isn't working, she loves being with her friends and family. She loves hot Texas days, especially if she is on the lake or near the pool. She enjoys photography and anything that will make her laugh! Serving LSC in a leadership position is something that excites Kristin, and she looks forward to another great year!
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<h3>Arroxane Eber, 1st Vice President</h3>
Email: <a href="mailto:1vp@stc-dfw.org">1vp@stc-dfw.org</a>
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[<img[ArroxaneU.jpg]]Arroxane is a Senior Technical Writer for Avid Technology in Irving. She has a master's in Technical Writing from the University of North Texas and a bachelor's in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College. Arroxane is a former U.S. Marine, member of the National Space Society, Big Sister, and polyglot. She's been active in LSC for several years in a variety of roles.
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<h3>Jackie Chamberlain, 2nd Vice President</h3>
Email: <a href="mailto:2vp@stc-dfw.org">2vp@stc-dfw.org</a>
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[<img[JackieC.jpg]]Jackie has a BA in English from University of North Texas, with an endorsement in Technical Writing. After over four years as a Technical Writer at a local franchise headquarters, she is currently working on her Microsoft Certified Professional Certification (MCP) while looking for a new employer.
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<h3>Mike Hiatt, Parliamentarian</h3>
Email: <a href="mailto:policies@stc-dfw.org">policies@stc-dfw.org</a>
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[<img[MikeH.jpg]]Mike is a senior member of STC, having been a member of the Lone Star Community since he joined. He currently is a senior technical writer with Tekelec, GENBAND Inc., a telecom media gateway signaling and switching company. He previously served three years as Treasurer of the LSC and is currently serving Parliamentarian.
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<h3>Kristy Nolan, Treasurer</h3>
Email: <a href="mailto:treasurer@stc-dfw.org">treasurer@stc-dfw.org</a>
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[<img[KristyN.jpg]]Kristy is a senior member of STC. She is the Ground Ops Manager, Central Publications for Southwest Airlines, with a BA in biology from Hiram College and an MEd in environmental education from John Carroll University. Prior to joining Southwest Airlines, she was the assistant director of the SS William G. Mather Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Kristy just returned from her third Eye Care mission to assist the people of El Salvador.
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<h3>Rob Brown, Secretary</h3>
Email: <a href="mailto:secretary@stc-dfw.org">secretary@stc-dfw.org</a>
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[<img[RobB.jpg]]Rob is a senior STC member. He has been active in the Lone Star Community (LSC) for about six years. This year, he is the LSC Administrative Council secretary. He also served as a judge for the 2009 STC International Online Competition. He has served as our LSC Competitions General Manager for two years, as a competition judge manager for two years, and as a competition judge for five years. In 2006, he received our chapter's Distinguished Community Service Award. He has been a technical writer and instructional designer in Dallas for the past 20 years.
|[<img[STC logo|Logo-Type-Horz.png][http://www.stc.org]]| ''STC advances the theory and practice of technical communication across all user abilities and media so that both businesses and customers benefit from safe, appropriate, and effective use of products, information, and services.'' |
STC is an individual membership organization dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of technical communication. It is the largest organization of its type in the world. Its 18,000 members include technical writers and editors, content developers, documentation specialists, technical illustrators, instructional designers, academics, information architects, usability and human factors professionals, visual designers, Web designers and developers, and translators – anyone whose work makes technical information available to those who need it.
For more information, contact the STC headquarters:
<html><a href="http://www.stc.org>Society for Technical Communication</a></html>
9401 Lee Highway
Suite 300
Fairfax , VA 22031
*[[2009-2010 Deadlines]]
*[[Submission Guidelines]]
*[[Copyrights & Trademarks]]
*[[Advertising Rates]]
*[[Reprinting Policy]]
*[[TW Staff]]
*[[Back Issues]]
*[[About STC]]
Content must be “camera-ready” in the form of a GIF or JPG file. (''Note:'' We do not support animated GIFs or other animation technologies.)
!!!Rates:
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* $900 nine Issues
!!!Payment:
Full payment arrangements are due before the ad will appear.
Make checks, money orders, or purchase orders payable to:
Lone Star STC
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STC Lone Star community reserves the right to refuse ads.
!!!Inquiries and Requests
Contact the Managing Editor at e-mail: <html><a href="mailto:newsletter@stc-dfw.org">newsletter@stc-dfw.org</html> for more information.
*[[FEATURE ARTICLE: Social Networking: All a-Twitter]]
*''2010 STC Election Articles (Director Candidates)''
**[[Nicky Bleiel|Nicky Bleiel (Candidate for Director)]]
**[[Mak Pandit|Mak Pandit (Candidate for Director)]]
**[[Tricia Spayer|Tricia Spayer (Candidate for Director)]]
**[[WC Wiese|W C Wiese (Candidate for Director)]]
**//Note:// Al Hood did not submit in time for this issue
You can find all the //Technically Write// back issues by clicking on one of the links below.
[[HTML Issues]]
[[PDF Issues]]
!!Technically Wired
A proof-of-concept experiment in 1996, Technically Wired took the content of //Technically Write// and combined it with the graphical potential of the Web. Three issues were produced until the Internet Professional Interest Committee (IPIC)—-as ~SIGs were known then-—decided it was too intensive an effort for one person.
Links and e-mail addresses in these issues have been disabled, since they're likely to be extinct.
September 1996 October 1996 November 1996
*[[Inside this issue...]]
*[[Editor's Corner|Editor's Corner - February]]
*[[Kristin's Chronicles|Kristin's Chronicles - February]]
!Angels of LSC
[<img[LSC volunteers - photo|LSC SA1.jpg]] They say “It is better to give than to receive”, but sometimes you receive from the very act of giving. Many of us are familiar with the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. It’s been a holiday tradition for many to pick an angel from an area shopping mall tree and then spend time shopping for your beneficiary to buy things they need and want because we can. I admit I like any excuse to shop, yet it is always a joy to shop for folks who really need it.
Families who had qualified for help from the Angel Tree program were given a pre-assigned time to appear at the Salvation Army Distribution Warehouse to pick up the gifts for their family members. December 23rd was the last day for distributing holiday gifts to these families. The warehouse was chilly, yet the mood was warm.
Many of your LSC cohorts were singing carols while we checked folks in or out, ran for bags of gifts, shopped for those who had none, and filed paperwork. Sometimes it was hectic, while at other times we took the slow times to be full of good cheer.
[>img[LSC volunteers - photo|LSC SA2i.jpg]]
LSC President Kristin Kirkham points out, “Volunteering for the Salvation Army gave the LSC folks a chance to bond outside of our normal settings while we helped those in need. It was wonderful to see everyone working together to make Christmas wishes come true for thousands of children!”
Mel Haughton added, “This year we volunteered at the ‘check out station’. I really enjoyed calling out the parents' names and giving them their gifts. Most were so thankful and some were even teary eyed. I have never been thanked so much in my life.”
Thanks to all who made the time to come and help out. I know the Salvation Army folks thanked me many times for coming. I hope that we can keep this as an LSC tradition so we never forget what the holidays are really about. It was nice to be reminded that even in a tough year when money is tight you can give of yourself through your time, which is priceless gift.
[<img[LSC Competition graphic|competitions_vertical_70.jpg]]Competitions are completed now until our annual Awards Banquet to be held in May this year following the 2010 STC Technical Summit. Because of changes made in the International Competitions for 2010, we had to move our beloved winter Awards Banquet to a warmer climate. However, by doing so, we now combine this event with our Officer Induction. What a better way to celebrate our last meeting of the membership year by having one ''humdinger'' of a get-together.
For those who are just wanting to know the statistics of this year's LSC Competitions, here you are!
|!Competition|!Award Level|!Awards Given|
|Online Communication|Excellence| 1 |
|~|No Award| 4 |
|Technical Publications|Excellence| 3 |
|~|Merit| 4 |
|~|No Award| 4 |
|Technical Art|Merit| 1 |
LSC sent the four Excellence entries on for judging in the International Competitions.
All entrants have received notification regarding their entry, its award level, and their judging comments.
More changes are in store for the 2010 Competitions. Stay tuned for more information!
This newsletter invites writers to submit articles they wish to be considered for publication. (''Note:'' By submitting an article, you implicitly grant a license to this newsletter to run the article and for other STC publications to reprint if without permission.) Copyright is held by the writer. In your cover letter, let the editor know if this article has run elsewhere, and if it has been submitted for consideration to other publications.
Some articles might refer to companies or products whose names are covered by trademark or registered trademark. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Reference to a specific product does not constitute an endorsement of the product by the LSC or STC.
[<img[Cowtown Fort Worth graphic|cowtown.jpg]]
We all had a great time at Blue Mesa informally chit-chatting and discussing the topic of social networking. Some in the group wondered about the importance of keeping up with coworkers and friends in LinkedIn or similar sites.
!Why is it important to keep these connections?
* I for one, know people that have found jobs through connections made on LinkedIn and have helped make some of these connections. What goes around comes around!<br><br>
* At least one of us was able to get a paying gig through Facebook just because of an informal connection.
So basically we all agreed that it couldn’t hurt to spend a few minutes by adding friends and colleagues to LinkedIn. We also agreed that limiting the information made available on the web is a good idea whether it be LinkedIn or another site. Another benefit of LinkedIn is that there is are requirements that need to be met before any connections can be made, so you have a little more control on who you let into your circle. So, generally speaking the people contacting you as a connection or connection of a connection are more verifiable than someone you randomly meet.
<<<
''Side note:'' //I’ve noticed a lot of grammatical errors on people’s LinkedIn pages so we should all be diligent in making our pages as professional looking as possible. You never know who may be reviewing your information.//
<<<
!What are the major differences between the major networking sites, Facebook and ~LinkedIn?
''For Facebook,'' because it delves a little more deeply into one’s life, I personally tend to limit the people I add to close friends or relatives. I guess everyone has their own limit to the amount of communication they want to provide and to whom. But others, particularly those with more of a sales-type job, may want to open their Facebook up to a wider audience as well as their LinkedIn presence. Ultimately, you have to be interesting in your notifications on Facebook or they’ll hide you anyway.
''~LinkedIn'' is much more business oriented and doesn't have all the social bells and whistles that Facebook does.
<hr>
!Next ~MeetUp
One ~MeetUp participant suggested that we meet more often. My thoughts are that we’ve found a nice central venue in Blue Mesa and you guys can meet as often as you like, but I can only commit to quarterly meetings. If anyone wants to volunteer to facilitate more regular meetings, I'm sure the LSC wouldn't mind.
Have a great holiday!
by [[Jackie Damrau|TW Staff Bios]], Managing Editor
!!LSC Membership News
//Kathryn Poe// will receive the ''rank of Fellow'' at the 2010 STC Technical Summit to be held here in Dallas in May. She thanks everyone for the 20 years of support in this occasionally loony profession. Join us in recognizing Kathryn for her support of LSC by attending the ''Honors Banquet'' during the STC Technical Summit.
!!In this month's issue, you'll read:
* [[Kristin talking |Kristin's Chronicles - February]] about membership, Summit volunteers, Lone Star news, and winter wonderland predictions
* Jim Korth's articles:
** Reviewing our [[January program|January Meeting Review]] from our very own Heather Steele and Kristy Nolan
** Telling you about our February program, [[February 17th Meeting: The State of STC as the New Decade Dawns]], with Hillary Hart, STC 2nd Vice President
* Arroxane Eber sharing about [[Social Networking: All a-Twitter|FEATURE ARTICLE: Social Networking: All a-Twitter]]
* STC Director candidate articles from [[Nicky Bleiel|Nicky Bleiel (Candidate for Director)]], [[Mak Pandit|Mak Pandit (Candidate for Director)]], [[Tricia Spayer|Tricia Spayer (Candidate for Director)]], and [[W C Wiese|W C Wiese (Candidate for Director)]]
* Scholarship Winner Articles from [[Brett Oppegaard|Mobile Communication Research Doctoral Study]] and [[Carie Lambert|TTU PhD Program Wins Another UNT Scholar]]
and all the rest of what you look forward to reading
!!Software Tip: Viewing Track Changes from Open Office documents in MS Word
[<img[Jackie Damrau photo|JDamrau_GS_5pct.jpg]] I've been working on an international STC task force for redesigning the international competitions. One of my team members uses Open Office for all her documentation needs. When I opened her documents, I wasn't able to see her edits, which made it difficult for the rest of the team collaboration. After much discussion between us, we discovered a //very simple// solution:
In MS Word, go to ''Tools > Track Changes'' for all the changes to appear.
!!Next Issue Deadline: March 7th
Send in your articles, book reviews, software reviews, or a fun, creative piece to publish in this newsletter by ''March 7th''. Your newsletter is for you! Share your simple software tip as I did above. It's just that simple.
Articles accepted at <html><a href="mailto:newsletter@stc-dfw.org">newsletter@stc-dfw.org</a></html>.
Enjoy your monthly reading!
by Jackie Damrau, Managing Editor
[<img[Jackie Damrau photo|JDamrau - Right.jpg]]Yes, the newsletter looks a bit different than the last two months. You see trying something new is not always a solution. It appears that this version is more suited to producing an online newsletter that allows placing tags on each article so you can find the items you want to read. The down side of this is that you cannot comment on the articles.
New Year is hear. Resolutions have been made and probably broken already. For your Lone Star Community, though, we have a half year left of interesting programs ending our year with hosting the 2010 STC Technical Summit at the Hyatt Regency Reunion. We'll see you all there, of course.
In this month's issue, you'll read:
* [[Kristin talking |Kristin's Chronicles]] about resolutions, dues renewal, conference, and other stuff
* Jim Korth's about our January program, [[Get Noticed and Land an Interview|Meetings]], from our very own Heather Steele and Kristy Nolan
* Suzanne Vara sharing her [[13 LinkedIn Mistakes to Avoid|FEATURE ARTICLE: 13 LinkedIn Mistakes to Avoid]] (a very timely piece to go with the January program topic)
* STC Secretary candidate articles from [[Rachel Houghton|Rachel Houghton (STC Secretary Candidate)]] and [[Steven Jong|Steven Jong (STC Secretary Candidate)]]
* and all the rest of what you look forward to reading
Here's my usual //begging and pleading// routine to write articles, book reviews, software reviews, or a fun, creative piece to publish in this newsletter. Without your help, this newsletter becomes a victim of not being here each month. So, please, get out that keyboard, put some words on the screen, and send me something, ANYTHING, to print in February's newsletter to <html><a href="mailto:newsletter@stc-dfw.org">newsletter@stc-dfw.org</a></html>.
Enjoy your monthly reading!
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<td bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><strong>Organization</strong></td>
<td bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><strong>Day</strong></td>
<td bgcolor="#CCFFFF"><strong>Place</strong></td>
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<td><p>DFW Usability Professionals' Association (DFW UPA)<br />
E-mail: <a title="DFW UPA email" href="mailto:dfwupa@yahoo.com">dfwupa@yahoo.com</a></td>
<td>Third Tuesday </td>
<td>varies</td>
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<td>North Texas Adobe Captivate User Group<br />
E-mail: <a title="Walt Stewart email" href="mailto:waltatwork@gmail.com">Walt Stewart</a></td>
<td>Third Tuesday </td>
<td>varies</td>
</tr>
<td>Dallas Association of Women in Computing </td>
<td>First Thursday </td>
<td>Crowne Plaza, Addison </td>
</tr>
<td>North Texas PC Users Group (NTPCUG)</td>
<td>Third Saturday </td>
<td>King of Glory Lutheran Church </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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<hr>
!!Flash Workshop in Dallas, March 6th
Dave Gillem, Creative Director at Travelocity (Dallas), will be hosting a @@''Flash Boot Camp''@@. Dave teaches Flash to design students at a local university. This event is a hands-on workshop with plenty of real world examples.
''__Cost:__'' $50 (includes light breakfast and lunch)
''__Date:__'' March 6th
Visit http://www.bigdworkshop03.eventbrite.com/ for more details and to register for this workshop.
by [[Suzanne Vara|[http://www.kherize5.com/blog]]
//(Reprinted with permission)//
[>img[LinkedIn profile showing mistakes to avoid|13LImistakes.jpg]]LinkedIn, the [[socially connected professional network|http://www.kherize5.com/blog/bid/23812/LinkedIn-Microsoft-A-Socially-Connected-Professional-Network]], has made numerous changes over the past few months to become more thank a job resource. The changes have made it a viable tool for people to connect, discuss, get answers to questions as well as connect with people that they just may be working with in the future. The future of [[social media marketing|http://www.kherize5.com/services-/social-media-marketing/]] is bright and the tools we use today are building blocks for what is yet to come. Creating profiles that are complete and honest are just the beginning. Many of these have been written time and time again but as I look to connect with new people, I still see the same mistakes being made.
!13 LinkedIn Mistakes to Avoid
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<ol>
<li><b>Default URL.</b> Increase your personal branding so easily by changing the default to a personal URL. Click <b>Edit Public Profile Settings</b> in the top right and then edit your Public Profile URL to your name.</li><br>
<li><b>My Website/My Company.</b> Keeping the default is asking people to look above to see who your current employer is and then go back and click on it. It is a simple change: On your profile, click <b>websites</b>, then at the drop down, click <b>"Other"</b> and then type in the name and descriptive terms.</li><br>
<li><b>Private Profile.</b> As social media is evolving with Google's live search, <a href="http://www.bing.com/twitter">Bing/Twitter</a> as well as <a href="http://www.kherize5.com/blog/bid/24331/Google-Real-Time-Search-Impact-on-Small-Businesses">Google's Social Search</a> what was private is not anymore. Go public so people can find you.</li><br>
<li><b>Joining Groups.</b> The maximum amount of groups you can join is 50. While that seems like a lot, how many people are at the max? There are so much information to contained within groups—news, discussions, slide shares that failing to join groups is missing out on an opportunity to connect. 50 is not always the easiest to keep up with and connect with all members but the information shared in the groups is very valuable.</li><br>
<li><b>Lack of Participation in Discussions.</b> Social media is about connecting and building relationships—talking to people. Taking part in discussions gets you noticed as well as keeps the conversation going and the sharing of information, viewpoints and knowledge.</li><br>
<li><b>Not Asking/Answering Questions.</b> Asking questions and getting feedback from others is not only free, it many times does give you answers that you were seeking. Answering questions allows you to share what you know and build a reputation within your industry.</li><br>
<li><b>Linking Every Tweet.</b> Pushing every tweet to your LinkedIn status is noise. I am a very big fan of Twitter, on twitter. Having people that I am connected with on LinkedIn to see every tweet is not the proper forum. Selected tweets of articles read and worth sharing, absolutely but every tweet, no.</li><br>
<li><b>Lack of Company Page.</b> As a business owner, a company page is another way to get found. Create a company page so that people know you are there. There had been some hesitations as each employee that adds you as an employer is linked to you and once they leave, they can speak about the company in a manner that is not consistent with company policy shall we say. Months ago this was a factor but with the social media tools available there is no excuse for not having a company page.</li><br>
<li><b>Incomplete Profile.</b> Lack of a photo (or updated photo), complete summary and custom title. President does not cut it anymore. People do not search for president, CEO, etc. Your summary is your chance to let people know what you do and how you can help them.</li><br>
<li><b>Connecting & Then Selling.</b> It is not a forum for a sales pitch. Similar to auto dm's in Twitter. People who connect with you have to agree and they will look to find out what you do. Sending a thanks for connecting with a sales pitch is asking to be ignored.</li><br>
<li><b>Not Updating Status.</b> Every tweet is overkill but not updating your status is showing people that you are not active. Inactivity is showing that you are an infrequent visitor. Be active. Let people know what you are involved in, reading, etc.</li><br>
<li><b>Failing to Comment on Comments.</b> This is similar to comments on our blog. If someone comments, then respond to them. You are asking them to read, they are responding, take time to acknowledge their efforts.</li><br>
<li><b>Not Giving or Asking or Recommendations.</b> Giving is easier than asking. I do not like to ask for them as I think that if I give one then that is sort of a nod back to that person to maybe give one back. Bad strategy…probably but the importance is to give and then ask.</li>
</ol>
<p>As you go and look at your LinkedIn profile, look for ways to improve. We are all on limited time and to check this profile, that one and the newest one that comes out is not easy. Staying involved with certain platforms that are making changes is a sign for what is to come.</p>
<p>Agree? What have you done to enhance your profile and stand out?</p>
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//photo credit: usingsocnetforprofes//
by [[Arroxane T. U. Eber|2009-2010 LSC Admin Council]], Senior member & LSC 1st Vice President
So you've heard of Twitter—who hasn't? Perhaps you signed up for an account out of curiosity. But then what? Why should you bother tweeting your hobbies or following the doings of someone's cat?
The short answer is you shouldn't. You should not think of Twitter in its older sense of "What am I doing now." As a professional, it's not really useful and it definitely won't score any points with your current or future employer. So then what is Twitter good for?
[>img[social media graphic|socialmedia.jpg]]First and foremost, it's a way of networking. Although there are numerous social networking sites and several of them professional, as a Technical Communicator you'll find Twitter useful in several ways.
To begin with, setting up a profile on Twitter is not nearly as involved as other social networking sites. It's great to have your life story on [[Facebook|http://www.facebook.com/]] or work history on [[LinkedIn|http://www.linkedin.com/]], but for [[Twitter|http://www.twitter.com/]] all you need is a short blurb, a photo, and a link to your Web site (personal, professional, employer, or whatever).
Then, connect with other professionals. You can search for them by name, key words, or hash tags. What's a hash tag, you ask? It's a designated topic that stands out because it's preceded by a hash mark (also known as a pound or number sign): #. This convention makes searching for ''#techcomm'' or ''#stcorg'' tweets quick and easy.
A new addition to Twitter that makes finding professionals easier is the lists feature. For example, I've created a list called ''~TechComm (twitter.com/Arroxane/techcomm)''. By following this list, you automatically receive updates from the technical communicators I've added to the list. Many others have created lists of technical communications (TC) professionals as well.
Now that you have a few TC pros to follow (and many will follow you back), what do you do? You monitor your stream and see what they have to say. You can do this from the Web interface at Twitter.com, with your mobile device, or through a number of desktop applications. Despite the reputation of Twitter being about what someone's cat had for breakfast or how the latest celebrity is having issues (again), you can get good information from Twitter by following the right people (like ''STC members: twitter.com/rjhoughton/stc''). //[Editor’s note: Rachel Houghton is an LSC member as well as a Willamette Valley (Oregon) member.]//
Over just a few days, you should see some interesting tweets. These may include topics such as blogs, articles, studies, trends, jobs, meetings, conferences, workshops, presentations, webinars, discounts, sales, freebies, advice, infographics, news, and much more. That's a lot of information in one place! Moreover, it's literally up-to-the minute—something no Web site, RSS feed, or broadcast can do. This means you can find out about a job posting before it's on the company's Web site. Or you might hear about a 24-hour sale on software in time to get your copy.
Now you've got news and info coming in regularly and notice that some of your "tweeple" aren't following a certain person or list, but you'd like to pass along an interesting tweet. So you retweet the post. The new-fangled retweet from the Web interface simply reposts the original with a tiny note at the bottom indicating that you had retweeted it. The old-fashioned (and preferred by many) method is to precede the copy-and-pasted text with ''"RT @Username"''. Either method will do the trick, passing along a good tidbit to those who follow you.
But Twitter isn't just about getting instantaneous news and updates. It's an interactive network. So network! Reply when you find something useful. Tell the poster, "Thanks, that was a really handy tip!" The more you interact, the more likely you are to get your own posts retweeted. This means everyone following that person will see your post and some of those followers may start following you. Voila, new professionals to connect with! You may find Twitter one of the easiest ways to network.
But, isn't Twitter a time-waster? Like anything else on the Web—from [[YouTube|http://www.youtube.com/]] to the [[New York Times Online|http://www.youtube.com/]]—it takes as much time as you let it. If you only have a chance to read and update once a day while snarfing down lunch, so be it. But if, like some of us, you find Twitter really useful, you may want to tweet your own blog posts, news articles, events, and more. These unique additions will catch on and be retweeted around the world. Don't be surprised if suddenly you have people following you in Europe, Israel, and India.
Of course, it's not a competition. The number of followers you have isn't really the point. The return on investment (ROI) from Twitter is measured in the quality of tweets read and retweeted, not the quantity.
For more information on using Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/help/start or tweet me at ''twitter.com/Arroxane''.
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<p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Thursday, February 17, 2010<br/>
6:15-8:00 p.m.</strong></span>
<p><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>Speakers:</strong></span>
<br>
Hillary Hart, STC 2nd Vice President</span></span>
<p><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>Presentation Topic:</strong></span>
<br>
Technical Communication Body of Knowledge
<p><strong>Crowne Plaza North</strong><br>
14315 Midway Road<br>
Addison, Texas<br><br>
<a title="STC DFW Reservations page" href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/cms/index.php?view=details&id=39%3Atc-body-of-knowledge&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=52" target="_blank">
<strong>Reserve your seat now!</strong>
</a>
</td>
<td width="250" valign="top">
<p> <p><br/>
<p><strong>Dinner (with reservations):</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>$25 STC members</li>
<li>$20 Students with student ID</li>
<li>$30 Guests</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Program Only (with reservations):</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>$12 STC members</li>
<li>$15 Guests</li>
<li>Students with student ID</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="250" valign="top">
<p> </p><br/>
<p><strong>Reservations after <em>February 15</em>:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Dinner:
<ul>
<li>$30 STC member</li>
<li>$25 Students with ID</li>
<li>$40 Guests</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li> Program only (all):
<ul>
<li>$15 STC members/Students</li>
<li>$20 Guests</li>
</ul>
</td>
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!Technical Communication Body of Knowledge
[<img[STC logo|Logo-Type-Horz.png][http://www.stc.org]]Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.” Today, the feeling is “information, information everywhere but where is the item of information I need?” For technical communication professionals, the Technical Communication Body of Knowledge (TCBOK) is an STC initiative to organize knowledge about our profession in a single accessible place.
''Hillary Hart'', STC 2nd VP, Fellow, and Distinguished Sr. Lecturer at the University of Texas, will speak about the TCBOK and will open the door for your suggestions and ideas on where to take the project.
The vision of the TCBOK to provide a pathway for people interested in technical communication to find and navigate the huge amounts of knowledge in our profession. This knowledge currently exists on many different Web sites and publications with no central point that directs people to it.
The TCBOK initiative has two phases:
* ''Phase 1'' activities involved:
** Defining the aims for the Body of Knowledge
** Deciding that a portal was the right tool to reach out to all these sources of knowledge
** Creating personas of typical portal users.<br><br>
* ''Phase 2'' will explore many issues like
** The amount of effort it takes to populate the portal
** Who should originate, approve, sign off and deal with changes and how that process should be managed
** What sort of technology to use for the final portal.
[>img[Hillary Hart photo|hillary-hart.jpg]]//Ms. Hart is Distinguished Sr. Lecturer in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering at the University of Texas. She is a fellow of the Society for Technical Communication and has long served at the community and international levels. Ms. Hart’s STC awards include a Distinguished Technical Communication Award from Technical Communication, Distinguished Special Service Award, Distinguished Chapter Service Award, and the President’s Award.//
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<ul>
<li>Volume 26, 2009-2010</li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0909/index.html" target="_blank">September</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0910/index.html" target="_blank">October</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0911/09-11TW.pdf" target="_blank">November</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0912/09-12TW.pdf" target="_blank">December</a></li>
<li> <b>January - April 2010</b><br>(Select <b>Tags</b> from the right menu and look for "Month Year", example: January 2010)
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><li>Volume 25, 2008-2009</li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume23">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0809/index.html" target="_blank">September</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0812/index.html" target="_blank">December</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0903/index.html" target="_blank">March</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0906/index.html" target="_blank">Summer</a></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0810/index.html" target="_blank">October</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0901/index.html">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0904/index.html" target="_blank">April</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0811/index.html" target="_blank">November</a></span></td>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0902/index.html" target="_blank">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0905/index.html" target="_blank">May</a></span></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
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<ul>
<li> Volume 24, 2007-2008</li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume23">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0709/index.html">September</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0712/index.html">December</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0803/index.html">March</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0807/index.html">Summer</a></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0710/index.html">October</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0801/index.html">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0804/index.html">April</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0711/index.html">November</a></span></td>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0802/index.html">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0805/index.html">May</a></span></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<ul><li> Volume 23, 2006-2007</li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume23">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0609/">September</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0612/">December</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0703/index.html">March</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0707/index.html">Summer</a></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0610/">October</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0701/LSC_Technically_Write.htm">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0704/index.html">April</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0611/">November</a></span></td>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0702/index.html">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0705/index.html">May</a></span></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
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<ul>
<li> Volume 22, 2005-2006</li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume22">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0609/">September</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0512/">December</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0603">March</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0510/">October</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0701">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0604">April</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0511/">November</a></span></td>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0602">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0605">May</a></span></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
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<ul>
<li>Volume 21, 2004-2005</li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume21">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0409/">September</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0412/">December</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0503">March</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0410/">October</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0501">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0504">April</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0411/">November</a></span></td>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0502">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0505">May</a></span></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<ul>
<li>Volume 20, 2003-2004 </li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume20">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0309/">September</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0312/">December</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0403">March</a></span></td> <td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0408">Summer</a></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0310/">October</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0401">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0404">April</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0311/">November</a></span></td>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0402">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0405">May</a></span></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<ul>
<li>Volume 19, 2002-2003</li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume19">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0209/index.htm">September</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0212/index.htm">December</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0303/index.htm">March</a></span></td> <td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0307/index.htm">Summer</a></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0210/index.htm">October</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0301/index.htm">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0304/index.htm">April</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0211/index.htm">November</a></span></td>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0302/index.htm">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0305/index.htm">May</a></span></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</table>
<ul>
<li>Volume 18, 2001-2002</li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume18">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0109">September</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0112">December</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0203/index.htm">March</a></span></td> <td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/02SS">Summer</a></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0110">October</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0201">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0204/index.htm">April</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0111">November</a></span></td>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0202/index.htm">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/newsletter/0205/index.htm">May</a></span></td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</table>
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''Volume 26, No. 6''
[[Editor's Corner|Editor's Corner - February]]
[[Kristin's Chronicles|Kristin's Chronicles - February]]
[[February Meeting: Technical Communication Body of Knowledge|February 17th Meeting: Technical Communication Body of Knowledge]]
[[FEATURE ARTICLE: Social Networking: All a-Twitter]]
[[STC Director Candidate Articles|Articles]]
[[LSC News|LSCNews]]
and all the other items
[[Editor's Corner - January]]
[[Kristin's Chronicles - January]]
[[January Meeting: Get Noticed and Land an Interview|Meetings]]
[[FEATURE ARTICLE: 13 LinkedIn Mistakes to Avoid]]
[[STC Secretary Candidate Articles|Articles]]
[[LSC News|LSCNews]]
and all the other items
Type the text for 'January 2010'
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<p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Thursday, January 21, 2010
6:15-8:00 p.m.</strong></span>
<p><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>Speakers:</strong></span>
<br>
Heather Steele and Kristy Nolan</span></span>
<p><span style="color: #800080;"><strong>Progression Topics:</strong></span>
<br>
Get Noticed and Land an Interview
<p><strong>Crowne Plaza North</strong><br>
14315 Midway Road<br>
Addison, Texas<br><br>
<a title="STC DFW Reservations page" href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/cms/index.php?view=details&id=33%3Aimplementing-isoiec-26514-in-your-workplace&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=55" target="_blank">
<strong>Reserve your seat now!</strong>
</a>
</td>
<td width="250" valign="top">
<p> <p>
<p><strong>Dinner (with reservations):</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>$25 STC members</li>
<li>$20 Students with student ID</li>
<li>$30 Guests</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Program Only (with reservations):</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>$12 STC members</li>
<li>$15 Guests</li>
<li>Students with student ID</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td width="250" valign="top">
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Reservations after <em>January 18</em>:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Dinner:
<ul>
<li>$30 STC member</li>
<li>$25 Students with ID</li>
<li>$40 Guests</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li> Program only (all):
<ul>
<li>$15 STC members/Students</li>
<li>$20 Guests</li>
</ul>
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!Get Noticed and Land an Interview
[>img[Classifieds graphic|unemployed.jpg]]Unemployment in the U.S. is presently as high as it has been for decades with nearly 10% of the workforce out of a job. How do you stand out and distinguish yourself from the growing crowd of unemployed and land an interview? How do you deal with rapidly changing employer requirements and stay ahead of the surging masses of competing jobseekers?
Our own Heather Steele, LSC Web Administrator, and Kristy Nolan, Treasurer, will help you:
# Learn how to apply some marketing tips and tricks to find jobs before they even exist
# Provide information to help you manage your résumé and portfolio in a way that makes it quick and easy to customize both for every interview opportunity
# Provide answers to your questions about how to stand out in the crowd of job seekers.
Heather and Kristy will also provide valuable information to assist you in building a consistent “look and feel” for your résumé and portfolio. Their tips and advice will help you add that extra ''WOW'' factor with cheap (or free) and easy technology tools that will get the attention of employers and increase your chances of getting an interview.
''Heather Steele'' //specializes in the interactive marketing field using her diverse skill set to bring functionality and flair to everyday communications. Heather works for Williams Financial Group managing all Web-based and interactive marketing initiatives.
Heather served as 2nd Vice President of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) Lone Star Chapter (2007-2008) and has served as an LSC Website Administrator since January 2007. In 2009, she received the DemandGen Marketing & Sales Alignment Award on behalf of Advanced Data Exchange for her progressive email marketing strategies.//
''Kristy Nolan'' //specializes in content writing and management, currently as a manager in Central Publications at Southwest Airlines. With an eye for detail and a need for consistency, Kristy keeps several documents consistent and compliant.
Kristy has been a member of STC for approximately six years, serving as LSC’s secretary and now treasurer. In 2006 she received the Distinguished Technical Communication Award for the Baggage Service Office Manual, and in 2008 received the Distinguished Chapter Service Award.//
!!Get Noticed and Land an Interview
by [[Jim Korth|TW Staff Bios]], Member
[<img[Kristin, Arroxane, Kristy, and Heather photo|heather-kristy-kristin-arroxane.jpg]] You’ve just received the dreaded news that your department is closing down, you’ll shortly be out of work, and thrust into a very difficult situation. You know we are in one of the deepest economic downturns and toughest job markets in a long time. You need to present yourself in the best possible way with broad, yet properly targeted exposure.
LSC members, Heather Steele and Kristy Nolan, are experts in the fields of presenting oneself online using the best available tools. These ladies gave an interesting and entertaining program entitled “Get Noticed and Land an Interview” at our January monthly meeting.
!!Personal Branding
Think of yourself as a brand that needs to be marketed effectively. Your brand should be carefully defined and consistently, clearly presented. You want the right kind of exposure to the proper audience, but you don’t want overexposure. You also don’t want to expend your valuable time and energy dealing with responses and inquiries from people that are going to waste your time.
In presenting yourself as a product, as a person with a portfolio of skills:
* Create a brand that distinctively communicates the value you bring and that features a seamless design characteristic.
* Ensure that your résumé, portfolio, avatar, and Web site flow smoothly from one to the next. Your verbal and electronic communications should flow smoothly and agree with your personal brand.
* Carry your style simply and elegantly in your content and presentation by using consistent fonts and colors.
* Prepare and deliver a few simple key points in all of your media that make consistent, memorable impact.
* Coordinate your verbal and electronic communications to with anything visible on your résumé, portfolio, or Web site.
* Use of social networking sites serve as a powerful tool. Be aware of how you present yourself from one site to the next. Consider removing photographs and postings that may be inappropriate or have inappropriate language. Remember, ''//anything//'' you post on the Internet is fair game.
* Make your résumé flexible and manageable.
* Create a custom deliverable, including targeted résumé and portfolio for each job to which you apply.
* Create an electronic version of your portfolio that is easy to manage and presents your expertise, skills, and talents effectively.
!!Your mission…
The underlying themes of the evening were to get noticed, be invited to an interview, and receive a good offer. Your delivery of a few high impact messages, presented with simplicity and consistency at each stage of the process, will make all the difference between a brief or lengthy time out of work.
by [[Kristin Kirkham|2009-2010 LSC Admin Council]], 2009-2010 LSC President
!!Membership
[<img[Kristin Kirkham photo|KKirkham_photo.JPG]]Membership renewal is still going on. Don’t forget to add ''Lone Star Community'' as your chapter. Besides the local benefits of being an STC member, renewing your membership means you can save hundreds of dollars off of your Summit registration in May when the international conference comes to Dallas!
Take advantage of the early bird special now. You’ll be sorry if you wait until May! Check out what this year’s Summit has to offer: http://conference.stc.org/
!!Summit Volunteers
@@//Summit Web Site.//@@ One of the many ways the LSC will serve our peers in May is by providing a one-stop Web site for their Dallas needs. We will provide a Dallas Summit Web site that includes sites to see, places to eat, transportation options, and places to stay. Yes, yes—we encourage the sponsored hotel, but we don’t mind telling you about the places off of the beaten path!
Gathering this information is a feat on its own. Contact <html><a href="mailto:webmaster@stc-dfw.org">Paul Holland</a></html>, our Web master if you are interested in contributing information.
@@//Professional Photographer.//@@ The STC is also looking for a professional photographer. Last year the STC connected with a student member who provided this service for the cost of the full conference registration fee. The opportunity requires more than just a digital camera and someone who likes to take pictures. STC is looking for someone who wants to establish themselves as a professional. Perhaps someone in the chapter knows someone like this?
Contact me at <html><a href="mailto:prez@stc-dfw.org">prez@stc-dfw.org</a></html> for additional information if you are interested in the photography position.
!!Lone Star News
@@//LSC Admin Council Meetings.//@@ The Admin Council is still looking at cost-cutting measures to help our chapter and the Society. We will be evaluating new monthly meeting spots instead of the hotel because of the changes that need to be made.
Our monthly administrative meeting will not be at the normal spot for ''Thursday, February 11th'' (usually Panera in Addison), instead we will meet ''at Dimassi’s in Addison (5220 Belt line, Addison, TX) at 6pm''. All members are welcome to join the administrative meetings at any time. We’d love to see you and get your opinion on Dimassi’s as a potential meeting spot. Our contract with the Crowne Plaza ends this May.
@@//LSC Lowdown.//@@ Not receiving emails from LSC during the month, then visit our Web site and sign up for the Lone Star Lowdown email distribution. Enter your email address to opt-in; it’s that easy!
Mailing List Registration: http://www.stc-dfw.org/cms/
For those of you who have signed up and are unsure where your mail is going—check your spam filter!
!!Winter Wonderland
Well, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. A happy note for you crazy people who love this weather! You all can look forward to the six additional weeks of winter! And for those of us who are not a fan of the cold—just think, the summer will be here soon enough.
Either way we can make it fun! Find things to do inside. Play board games with friends, rip open a bag of marshmallows for that hot cocoa, clean out that front closet, or enjoy the little time you have left with your Snuggie. You know you love the Snuggie!
I hope everyone is happy and healthy!
Call/text/IM/e-mail: I’m here to serve you!
Kristin Kirkham, President
<html><a href="mailto:Prez@stc-dfw.org">Prez@stc-dfw.org</a></html>
<html><a href="mailto:KristinSTC@gmail.com">KristinSTC@gmail.com</a></html>
972.821.3125 (Please leave a message or text me!)
[img[twitter_logo.jpg]]
Check LSC out:
{{{@STCLoneStar}}}
by Kristin Kirkham, 2009-2010 LSC President
[<img[Kristin Kirkham photo|KKirkham_photo.JPG]]Happy 2010 to everyone! It is hard to believe our program year is halfway done. Last year STC jumped incredible hurdles as we dealt with a sinking economy and job losses. Hopefully everyone is recovering, or at least on the road to recovery as we start a new year!
!Resolutions Anyone!
Many of you like to make resolutions each year—I know I do! This year my resolution is to put down the remote and read more. I’ve become too comfortable with settling in front of the television after work, like many of you. It is now time to turn off the tube and break the spine of a few new books. I borrowed too many books from friends and family, and my reading stack overflowed! What is your resolution this year? Email me with your resolutions.
!Awards Banquet – Where Did It Go?
Some of you have emailed me asking about the Awards Banquet, which was historically held in January. Because of changes within the International Competitions, our awards banquet will be held in May this year. I know this disappoints some of you, but now our May celebration will include the induction of our new administrative council. Who doesn’t love two parties rolled into one?!
!Join Heather and Kristy on a ~Self-Promotion Adventure!
I look forward to seeing everyone on ''Thursday, January 21'', as Heather Steele and Kristy Nolan present hints and tips on self-marketing for technical communicators. During a time when 10% of the country is out of work (and presumably looking for a new job), how do you stand out from the crowd to get noticed and land an interview? Join us as these two wonderful ladies take us on a self-promotion adventure!
!Renew Your Membership – Clock is Ticking!
Don’t forget to renew your membership! Although we are losing benefits such as hard copies of //Intercom// and //Technical Communication//, we still receive the deeply discounted prices for STC web seminars, podcasts, and the Annual Conference, which is in Dallas. I’d love to have a strong local presence! Renew your membership now to save hundreds of dollars in May! Wondering what other benefits there are to being an STC member? Check this out!: http://stc-dfw.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=52:membership-benefits&catid=14:about&Itemid=58
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!
Call/text/IM/e-mail: I’m here to serve you!
Kristin Kirkham, President
<html><a href="mailto:Prez@stc-dfw.org">Prez@stc-dfw.org</a></html>
<html><a href="mailto:KristinSTC@gmail.com">KristinSTC@gmail.com</a></html>
972.821.3125 (Please leave a message or text me!)
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*[[2009-2010 LSC Admin Council]]
*''LSC Scholarship Winners' Articles''
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^^Published monthly from September through May, //Technically Write// is the official newsletter of the STC Lone Star Community. It is produced by, for, and about the members, associates, and friends of the STC Lone Star Community.
Opinions expressed are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of the STC nor the STC Lone Star Community. Neither the STC nor the STC Lone Star Community endorses products or services, but may, as part of our educational activities, allow their mention in articles and notices.^^
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^^© 2010 [[STC Lone Star Community|http://www.stc-dfw.org/]]^^
[>img[Mak Pandit photo|mak2010.jpg]] Friends, greetings from a heart filled of good wishes! STC India is well-known to STC Lone Star Chapter through numerous volunteer interactions and joint initiatives.
I became a member of STC in 1997. STC was the first professional organization that I took membership of. Since then I have served various STC communities; be it STC India, ~AccessAbility SIG, Academic SIG, STC Global Membership committee and so on. I have been involved in the building of STC India chapter right from the stage of collecting signatures for chapter formation. The numerous awards that India Chapter received over last 6 years indicate that we did well!
I have been in this profession for more than 15 years now and have witnessed the development of this profession in India and also the changing global trends.
In a country chapter that could not model itself based on any other, we designed a revolutionary administration model. In last 11 years, we have had 11 Annual Conferences and more than 150 city meetings. We tried initiatives like STC India Library, Hiring Manager’s List, Regional Conferences, and Sponsored Events.
I think we are not an exception! The point is not “who did what”—the point rather is “a lot of new things could be done.” I think the success of STC India chapter is not an accident, had it been so it would not have happened every year, for last 5 years! The success is a result of a lot of factors, but more than anything else it is an indication of the role that STC can play globally and also the innovative strategies that STC can adopt.
The changes in recent past have affected our financial status and have forced us to take some delicate decisions. The situation today is a lot different, not just in North America, but worldwide. In a world that is merging, economies have increasing interdependence. Companies are going global and so are products. STC stands an opportunity to emerge as a world’s most admired and valued Technical Communication Professionals Association. The question is “Will we be able to handle the crisis at hand and still grow?”
I choose to be assertive!
Today the strength of STC leaders is put to test and the commitment of its volunteers is challenged. Having built my company from the time Technical Writing was not known in India, and having gone through two economic downturns; I believe I could be of help. I sincerely believe that STC has helped me grow as a professional. STC has all those knowledgeable folks that I look up to! I grew up observing them and reading their articles. Today time has come for me to see if I can follow them in their footsteps as a leader.
I submitted my nomination for the second time because I think I owe a lot to STC. While it is true that one does not have to be a leader to contribute, it is also a fact that a leadership position gives a lot more authority and responsibility to bring about a change. If you think I make sense, give me an opportunity.
I will be glad to answer any questions you may want to ask me. Write to <html><a href="mailto:makarand.pandit@gmail.com">makarand.pandit@gmail.com</a></html>
Thank you & God bless!
*[[Program Calendar]]
*[[Our Next Meeting|February 17th Meeting: Technical Communication Body of Knowledge]]
*[[Review of Our Last Meeting|January Meeting Review]]
Type the text for 'Member Recognition (Elisa Miller)'
by Brett Oppegaard, Doctoral student in the Technical Communication and Rhetoric program at Texas Tech University
Within the decade, most of the world will be accessing the Internet through mobile communication devices. This sudden shift toward ubiquitous or pervasive computing will dramatically change the ways in which people live and communicate. Yet relatively few studies have looked at such mobility and its fundamental effects on society, particularly from a technical communication perspective.
My research, generously supported by a 2010 STC Lone Star Community Scholarship, examines the genre of place and the ways in which physically being in a particular environment, with the author aware of your position at all times, affects construction and interpretation of narratives, especially interactive mobile narratives combined with contextual, spatial and location awareness.
I have created a partnership with a National Historic Site to develop and study such location-aware mobile content, or digital mobile media that knows where you are, which direction you are facing, what time of day it is, etc., and then responds to your needs accordingly, based on those factors. This National Park Service site stores millions of objects in its collection, representing the European expansion into the western United States. Those objects offer potential storylines that could be opened to visitors, giving them narrative and user-centered paths to follow into the fascinating parts of our nation's past.
Mobile communication devices and data sharing have evolved now to the point that they promise to create those stories and links like nothing else in human history, with greater depth and clarity and interaction possible than ever before in any medium. This sort of storytelling—augmenting reality with digital media—is destined to change the nature of communication and interaction as well as expectations among visitors to historic attractions (and many other kinds of places) in the coming years. There is so much new ground opening up in this field to study.
Looking closely at such developments through the perspective of technical communication could be invaluable to the field. This research not only could create new areas within the discipline, it also could lead to better community building applications that encourage social interaction and social justice as well as improved forms of edutainment. For more information about this topic or my research, please visit my Web page: www.mobilestorytelling.net.
[>img[Nicky Bleiel photo|NickyBleiel.jpg]] I am currently serving on the Society for Technical Communication Board of Directors and am running for another two-year term as a ~Director-At-Large.
My past two years on the Board have been interesting, challenging, and important. Interesting because I have learned a great deal, challenging because of the hurdles we faced, and important because the Society is at a critical juncture.
"Change" has been a hallmark of the last year, and STC has been no different. We have made many changes to the way we have always done things. We made difficult decisions and took difficult actions, all with the intent to strengthen the Society. We made no decisions without careful deliberation and research. So far, those choices have had the intended effect. But there is still work to be done.
I would like to continue to serve as a Director so that I can see a number of initiatives through and continue the momentum. Specifically, I want to continue work on:
* Creating additional revenue sources for the Society (such as Summit@aClick, new educational opportunities, Amazon and Café Press merchandise sales)
* Helping members in need (for example, Job Seeker Bootcamp and Member Recovery Packages)
* Adding more member value (for example, STC's Notebook blog, the new Member Logo program)
* Enhancing further the Recognitions program.
Besides my Board experience, my STC experience includes five years as a chapter leader (including President of the Pittsburgh Chapter), a competitions judge, a conference and Web seminar speaker, and a regional conference planner. I have 15 years of experience as a technical communicator in the software industry. I am heavily involved in the profession, and am a frequent speaker at many conferences, including STC, ~WritersUA, ~tcworld, ~LavaCon, and ~DocTrain. I have written articles for Intercom, tcworld, ~TechCom Manager, and more. My areas of expertise include embedded help, tools and technologies, user assistance design, single sourcing, wikis, Web 2.0, and convergence technical communication.
Visit my Web site at http://www.nickybleiel.com/ to learn more about me. It includes my biography; a list of recommendations from members; a list of my presentations, articles, and podcasts; and a rundown of my service to STC over the years.
Here are just a few member recommendations I’ve received:
<<<
//I wholeheartedly endorse Nicky for a second term as member of the STC Board of Directors. In addition to being an effective technical communicator, Nicky understands the challenges that the profession and the Society need to address. STC membership will benefit greatly from her contributions.//
:''Sarah O'Keefe'', President, Scriptorium Publishing Services<br>STC Associate Fellow
<<<
<<<
//Over the past three years, I have witnessed Nicky's strength and excellence on the STC Board of Directors. She cares about STC, knows when to make the hard decisions, and always looks at problems from as many perspectives as possible to find the "truth" of the matter. I'm convinced that the STC BoD is stronger and more successful because of Nicky's presence.//
:''Linda Oestreich'', Manager, SSM Documentation, Hewlett-Packard<br>STC Fellow and Past President
<<<
Please vote for me when you receive your ballot. Polls open ''March 9''. (//Reminder:// You must renew your membership by Feb. 28th to be eligible to vote.)
Thank you.
At the November community meeting, LSC welcomed the following progression topics and presenters:
* Vicki Biddy – Job Search 2009: Today’s Interview Skills
* Jackie Damrau – Benefits of STC Membership
* [[Ruth Glover – Driving Your Résumé to Work]]
* Rob Carr Harris – Writing Styles and Editing
* Darice Lang – Sailing Solo: A Lone Writer’s Perspective
Read a review provided by each presenter of their progression session by selecting an item from the above list.
<html>
<ul>
<li> Volume 17, 2000-2001</li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume17">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/news_01_01.pdf">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/news_03_01.pdf">March</a></span></td>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/news_05_01.pdf">May</a></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/news_02_01.pdf">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/news_04_01.pdf">April</a></span></td>
<td width="90"> </td>
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<ul>
<li> Volume 16, 1999-2000</li>
</ul>
<table width="378" border="0" id="Volume16">
<tr>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/LSC_Newsletter_Jan_2000.pdf">January</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/LSC_Newsletter_Mar_2000.pdf">March</a></span></td>
<td height="21"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/LSC_Newsletter_May_2000.pdf">May</a></span></td>
</tr>
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<td><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/LSC_Newsletter_May_2000.pdf">February</a></span></td>
<td width="90"><span class="style1"><a href="http://www.stc-dfw.org/pdf/LSC_Newsletter_Apr_2000.pdf">April</a></span></td>
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by Kathryn Poe, Associate Fellow
Welcome to the Human Factors column. My intent is to talk with some of our senior members and officers so you can get to know them and they can share with you. LSC has a plethora of folks who have been in technical communications for some time. We have seen major changes in technology, expectations, and direction since we started and here is our chance to communicate some of that to you. As I like to tell the newbies I meet, if I can keep you from stepping in a few of the potholes I have found, it is worth the effort.
By way of exposition, I will ask one of our veteran LSC members the same questions each month and her or his answers will appear right here.
Is there an LSC member that you'd like to know more about? Or would you like to share your own information? Send your ideas or send your information to the following questions to me at <html><a href="mailto:kpoe@ursaminorservices.com">kpoe@ursaminorservices.com</a></html>.
----
!!Getting to Know <Insert Name>
''Job Title:'' text
!!!!What do you actually do?
text
!!!!What hard skills have you found most useful and how do you continue to cultivate those skills?
text
!!!!Do you consider yourself a guru at any particular subject?
text
!!!!What is the greatest benefit of being an STC member?
text
!!!!Why have you stuck around so long? What's kept you here?
text
!!!!What positions in LSC and STC have you held?
text
!!!!How have you benefited from volunteering?
text
!!!Advice/Thoughts on STC for Newbies
!!!!How can I get involved and if I do, what’s in it for me?
text
!!!!How do I meet/recognize senior members?
text
!!!!Do senior members/council members really want to talk to me?
text
!!!!Can STC really help me find a job?
text
|>|>| !2010 |
|!Date|!Topic|!Presenter(s)|
|2/18|Technical Communication Book of Knowledge|Hillary Hart, STC 2nd VP|
|3/18|Intercultural Communication|Patricia Goleman|
|4/22|Online Portfolio|Louellen Coker|
|5/20|>|LSC Annual Awards Banquet and Officer Inductions|
[<img[Rachel Houghton photo|rachelhoughton_headshot_2x3at300dpi.jpg]]The secretary is an officer of the Society and not a mere note-taker at board meetings. The secretary must be prepared to capture actions and significant information during deliberations, and should participate fully in the discussions. According to the Bylaws, Article IV, Section 3C, “The Secretary keeps minutes of all Society, Board of Directors, and executive committee meetings and distributes them in accordance with the Board of Director's policies and procedures; and performs such other duties as the president or the board of directors may assign.”
I want to serve as Secretary so I can continue give back to the Society and to my profession at the highest possible level. I believe my skills and qualifications are the perfect match for the position: I am detail-oriented, highly organized, and aware of the challenges facing STC in the coming years. My STC job responsibilities have steadily increased over the years, and provided me with the ability to listen, the ability to take detailed notes, and the ability to process information from multiple sources and make it a cohesive whole, all while meeting strict deadlines.
I have been actively involved in the Society since late 1998.
* ''Local level:'' I served on the Willamette Valley Chapter administrative council for 11 years, in a variety of leadership positions including chapter president, and chaired many meetings where we observed Robert’s Rules of Order.<br><br>
* ''Society level:'' I am currently the program chair for the 2010 STC Technical Communication Summit in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Community Achievement Award Executive Committee. I was elected to the Nominating Committee in 2006, and I have written leadership articles for the Leadership Community Resource (LCR). I served as a judge for multiple international publications competitions, which I greatly enjoy. I received the distinguished chapter service award in the 1999–2000 program year, and earned the distinguished SIG service award in the 2006-2007 program year. I’ve also received an Outstanding Service Award from STC for my work on the program committee for the 2008 and 2009 STC conferences.<br><br>
* ''Outside of STC:''
** I have volunteered my services as a newsletter editor and article contributor for multiple organizations.
** I graduated from Portland State University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a minor in Professional Writing.
** I have been a technical writer since December 1996, working as a contractor, instructor, and senior technical writer.
For more information about myself, visit http://www.rhoughton.com/rhoughton
I will be grateful for your vote for Secretary.
You are welcome to link to or reproduce original material in //Technically Write// with proper attribution (source, issue date, and author’s name) in the link text, or in the byline. Kindly notify the Managing Editor at <html><a href="mailto:newsletter@stc-dfw.org">newsletter@stc-dfw.org</a></html> when electronic reprints are published, or send a copy of publications containing reprinted versions to the Managing Editor at the address below.
Mailing Address:
Technically Write
P.O. Box 515065
Dallas, TX 75251-5065
!STC Communities in Texas
* [[STC Austin|http://www.stcaustin.org/]]
* [[STC Houston|http://www.stc-houston.org/]]
!STC Student Communities in Texas
* Angelo State University
* [[College Station (TAMU)|http://www2-english.tamu.edu/stc/Website/Home/]]
* [[Texas Tech University|http://english.ttu.edu/stc/default.htm]]
<<tabs txtMainTab "Tags" "All tags" TabTags "All" "All tiddlers" TabAll "Timeline" "Timeline" TabTimeline "More" "More lists" TabMore>>
Monthly newsletter of the STC Lone Star Community
[>img[Steven Jong photo|Steven_Jong_picture.jpg]]Thanks for your consideration! I'd like to tell you a little about my background, describe the secretary's role and why I'm a good fit for it, and list what I see as the Society's issues and my ideas to help.
!!My Background
In 30 years as a technical communicator, I've done a little bit of everything, including editing, illustrating, and training, but mainly writing and managing. Currently I work as a documentation manager.
Outside of work I've written professional papers, magazine and newspaper articles, fiction, poetry, and a trade paperback. I've designed and delivered courses, seminars, and workshops, in the US and Europe, on technical and professional subjects. I've been a law-school instructor, a freelance proofreader for the Dummies Press, and a compositor for an academic book. Finally, I've led three other non-profit organizations.
I'm an active member of the Boston chapter. For nearly 20 years I've served the chapter competitions as a judge, lead judge, best of show judge, and judge trainer. In 2001 I was elected to Boston's administrative council. Then in 2002 I was elected second vice president, and served in automatic succession as first vice president, president, and immediate past president. During that time Boston won three chapter Awards of Distinction. I was given Boston's Landers/Carbrey Spirit of Volunteerism award in 2007. I also belong to the Northern New England chapter, the Management SIG, and the Information Design SIG.
At the Society level, I am in the final year of my term on the Board of Directors. I am the chair of the Certification Task Force. I've participated in the International Technical Publications Competitions as a judge, lead judge, and best-of-show judge. And I've presented papers at eight annual conferences.
!!The Secretary's Role
Unlike other Board positions, the Secretary must be process and detail oriented. The Secretary assembles and distributes the agenda and materials before each meeting, and of course takes minutes. But a good secretary also keeps the group on agenda, manages time, and reminds people of previous actions and decisions.
Additionally, the Secretary is a voting board member, and as such must have a strategic focus. Not everyone can think strategically. You can't micromanage; you have to set goals and directions for the good of the Society a whole, and leave implementation to the staff or to volunteers.
!!Society Issues
I've seen enormous changes in the field. Today we may be called upon to create documents, Web content, video, or podcasts. We do so much more than writing! Yet I think that the core skills of technical communication have not changed at all. We still learn a technical subject, determine our target audience's needs, and communicate just what they need to know as clearly and concisely as we can.
Today, STC's biggest issue is existential: will we be around next year? We've made huge strides, and I think the answer is yes, but we're not out of the woods yet. We need to rebuild our membership base, and to do that we need to tap into new demographics and new areas of practice.
There's a communication gap between the Society, chapters, and members that I think needs to be addressed.
Finally, we need to establish STC as a force to improve the field for everyone—practitioners, clients, and consumers alike.
I have a three-prong platform:
* ''Speed:'' I want to collect and post information faster, both before Board meetings for directors and afterwards for members.<br><br>
* ''Transparency:'' I want to share as much information with members as we can within the legal constraints on an association.<br><br>
* ''Communication:'' I've seen how messages can be both miscommunicated and misinterpreted. I want to ensure that we send out a steady, clear, and consistent message on multiple channels, including our Web site, our blog, and appropriate social media. Also, I think community secretaries need the same kind of support that community presidents and treasurers get now, and I'll work to establish that channel.
!!Summary
I have a great deal of relevant experience, not just at the chapter and Society level but also in other non-profits. I've worked with good secretaries and bad, and I know what's important in the role. I am a process- and detail-oriented person, which are critical traits in a secretary. And I've been able to observe the excellent example set by Char ~James-Tanny, so I already know what to do.
Visit If you’d like more information, please go to [[www.StevenJong.net|http://www.StevenJong.net]].
When you vote in March, please cast your vote for me. Thanks in advance!
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//Technically Write// is pleased to accept contributions from community members and student members on a wide variety of topics, including (but not limited to):
* Evaluations of tools, software, trade publications, and the like
* Lessons learned, tips, advice for the newbie
* Testimonials regarding the value of STC to the member
* Sharing STC Conference insights
* Bios of STC members
* News of charitable undertakings by members, whether or not they involve trade skills.
//Technically Write// is published on the first Thursday of each month (September through May).
The editorial team retains and exercises the right to edit submitted and requested material for clarity, length, and appropriateness.
!!!Contributions to Technically Write
* Must be submitted no later than the deadlines listed below. E-mail to <html><a href="mailto:newsletter@stc-dfw.org">newsletter@stc-dfw.org</a></html>.
*Are best submitted in Word format, or in the text of an e-mail message.
*Have no length limit, but need to be written with online presentation in mind.
*May have accompanying graphics in GIF or JPG format. Editors reserve the right to resample, crop, or exclude images if necessary.
*Should also include a short (25-word) biography of the author.
!!!Author Guidelines
In case you haven’t noticed, //Technically Write// is an online magazine, or e-zine. From Kurt Ament to Strunk and White, e-zine savvy people have this advice:
* Write short sentences.
* Make short paragraphs, 3 to 5 sentences at the most.
* Do not use semicolons (;). They are an excuse to lengthen sentences.
* Aim for no more than 500 to 700 words of content. If you desire to write a longer piece, please subdivide it with subheads, so that it can be serialized.
* Use our Style Guide when writing your articles. (Send e-mail to <html><a href="mailto:newsletter@stc-dfw.org">newsletter@stc-dfw.org</a></html>.
by Carie Lambert, Doctoral student in the Technical Communication and Rhetoric program at Texas Tech University
I’ve been a technical writer since 1991, working with physicians, nurses, researchers, marketing experts, nonprofit organizations, educators, and musicians. I’ve written grants, editing textbooks, created marketing brochures and flyers, composed manuscripts and presentations, and authored other documents for a variety of purposes. The more I write, the more I realize how much I don’t know and how little I’ve done to influence the field of technical communication.
In this awareness, I returned to school in 2006 and earned my master’s degree from the University of North Texas. I began to teach after 1 year of my graduate studies and realized that I enjoyed teaching, research, and writing: I enjoyed the freedom to explore and to share skills with young professionals who otherwise would not communicate effectively in their own fields. My MA prepared me to practice technical communication, but I wanted to learn how to research and to study established theory so I could apply and build on already established findings. Therefore, I applied and am now attending Texas Tech University. My specialty in the technical communication and rhetoric program is medical rhetoric, and I am interested specifically in communication and oncology.
As a part-time lecturer, I am unable to pay for all of my education-related fees. My husband is very supportive; however, because we are also raising three children, every bit of financial aid I can gain helps our family. Therefore, I thank STC for this scholarship, which will help me pay for my spring semester tuition and fees.
<html><b>Managing Editor:</b></html> Jackie Damrau
<html><b>Editor:</b> OPEN (e-mail <a href="mailto:newsletter@stc-dfw.org">newsletter@stc-dfw.org</a> if interested)</html>
<html><b>Contributing Editor:</b> OPEN (e-mail <a href="mailto:newsletter@stc-dfw.org">newsletter@stc-dfw.org</a> if interested)</html>
<html><b>Copyeditors:</b></html>
* [[Jeanne Foster|TW Staff Bios]]
* [[Mary ~McWilliams Johnson|TW Staff Bios]]
* [[Paula Robertson|TW Staff Bios]]
* [[Monica Winkelman|TW Staff Bios]]
<html><b>Contributors:</b></html>
* [[Arroxane Eber|2009-2010 LSC Admin Council]]
* [[Jim Korth|TW Staff Bios]]
* Brett Oppegaard
* Carie Lambert
<html><b>Columnists:</b></html>
* [[Louellen Coker|TW Staff Bios]]
* [[Kristin Kirkham|TW Staff Bios]]
* [[Eric Lyke|TW Staff Bios]]
* [[Elisa Miller|TW Staff Bios]]
* [[Kathryn Poe|TW Staff Bios]]
<html><b>Photographers/Photo Editors:</b></html>
* [[Douglas Dow|TW Staff Bios]]
* [[Dale Erickson|TW Staff Bios]]
~Ex-Officio: [[2009-2010 LSC Admin Council]]
''Jo Francis Byrd.'' It took two degrees and a job from hell for Jo Byrd to discover she didn't want to be a librarian and after several additional missteps to find technical writing. A member of STC since 1992 and CIC SIG Manager since 1995, Jo helps others as she was helped early on.
''Jim Chambless'' currently is Communications Manager for Beal Service Corporation in Plano. He is a Past President (2000/2001) of the Lone Star Community.
''Louellen S. Coker'' is currently the President for Content Solutions a certified woman-owned communications firm in Denton. Louellen received her Masters in Technical Communication from the University of North Texas with a specialization in Training and Development. She is the current Public Relations Chair for the Lone Star Community. When she isn't writing, Louellen prefers to be sailing, snowboarding, distance running, or traveling.
''Jackie Damrau'', Fellow and past chapter president, works at ~T-Mobile USA. She has more than 26 years of combined experience in technical writing and instructional design. Besides supporting STC activities through LSC, one national SIG and the Nominating Committee, Jackie enjoys going to the movies and reading classic literature, Irish/Scottish/English historical romance novels, or time-travel romance novels.
''Douglas Dow'' has been a member of the Lone Star Chapter since 1990, when he transferred from the Boston chapter. He has served in various capacities, including competition judge, chair of the Community Service Committee, and five years as newsletter Managing Editor. His interests outside of the cubicle include T'ai Ch'i, swing dancing, and honking on one of his many saxophones.
''Arroxane T. U. Eber'' is currently the Senior Technical Writer for the TV Broadcast Automation section of Avid Technology in Irving, TX. Arroxane received her MA in Technical Writing from the University of North Texas. She is the current First ~Vice-President for the Lone Star Community. She is also a former US Marine and frequent community volunteer. Follow @Arroxane on Twitter and read her blog at [[www.arroxane.com|http://www.arroxane.com]].
''Dale Erickson'' serves the Lone Star Community as a Technically Write photographer and manager of the IPIC mailing list. He has been an STC member since 1982 and holds the rank of Fellow. Dale is senior technical writer at One Network Enterprises in Dallas.
''Jeanne Foster'' is a lone writer for Jasper Design Automation, a privately-held electronic design automation (EDA) company headquartered in Mountain View, California. Besides technical communications, her varied career includes everything from government service to early childhood and elementary education. Jeanne is a recipient of the LSC 2007 Distinguished Community Service Award. She has volunteered as LSC Competitions judge, Region 5 Conference Registration manager, LSC Hospitality manager, Membership manager, and SIN SIG manager. Beyond LSC volunteer opportunities, Jeanne enjoys beach vacations, dining at fine restaurants, and most of all—her new granddaughter.
''Melissa (Mel) Haughton'' is an Instructional Designer and Project Coordinator for ~MLink Technologies in Lewisville, TX. She has a Master's degree in Technical Writing from the University of North Texas. Mel is past president of the Lone Star Community.
''Mike Hiatt'' is currently a senior technical writer (calls himself an information developer) for GENBAND Inc., a telecommunications company Plano. Mike received a BA in journalism specializing in news/editorial and took enough English classes as electives for a second major. He is currently the Parliamentarian for the Lone Star Community. When he is not working, Mike prefers to be riding his bicycle, watching sports on TV or surfing the web.
''Paul Holland'' is currently a contract marketing/technical writer for a small communications agency. He is active in both the the LSC and the NEO communities. A graduate of Hiram College (B.A. in Communications), he is also a a United States Marine, a maritime historian, and he served as a volunteer on the Steamship William G. Mather Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, prior to Dallas.
''Mary ~McWilliams Johnson'' is a retired technical writer and Web designer. Check out her Web site: ~GraphicsByMary.com: [[www.graphicsbymary.com|http://www.graphicsbymary.com]]. (The ~SuperConnect site no longer exists.)
''Kristin Kirkham'' is currently an Instructional Designer for ~MLink Technologies, an e-learning company in Lewsiville. She received her BA in Technical Communication from Texas Tech University. Kristin is the current President for the Lone Star Community. When she isn't writing, Kristin prefers to be water skiing, playing with her nieces and nephews, or hanging out with friends and family.
''Jim Korth'' has worked in technical communications and support for twelve years with Microsoft, Compaq, and IBM. He holds technical certifications from Microsoft, Novell, and ITIL. Jim previously worked in banking at Citigroup and holds a B.S. Degree in Accounting from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
''Eric Lyke'' is currently the Documentation Manager for Prodea Systems, Inc., a digital home solutions company based in Plano, TX. Eric received his MA in English from Tarleton State University specializing in linguistics. He is the current Fort Worth liaison for the Lone Star Community. When he isn’t writing, Eric prefers to be reading, hanging out with the family, or playing basketball.
''Elisa Kaplan Miller''’s career path has been a winding road from journalist to journalism teacher to instructional designer; from webmaster to content strategist to information architect / usability specialist.
''Kristy Nolan'' is a Manager of Publications for Southwest Airlines. She has been with Southwest Airlines for nine years, starting at the Cleveland Airport in Customer Service. With a Masters degree in Education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology, she has been in Dallas for about six years as a training developer, publications team lead, and now as a manager.
''Kathryn Poe'', Fellow and past chapter president, is a self-proclaimed Knowledge Wrangler. She is currently enlightening minds in the financial sector.
''Paula Robertson'''s Technical Communication career comprises twelve years as writer and editor of software and hardware documentation for domestic and international clients in transportation, telecommunications, and other industries. A previous career in computer graphics rounds out her skills as a "full-service" editor. As a senior member of STC, Paula has learned the value of the term and the practice of "networking."
''Monica Winkelman'' is the lone technical writer at Hyphen Solutions in Addison, which produces scheduling software for construction home builders. She has a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Technical Writing from the University of North Texas in Denton.
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[>img[Tricia Spayer photo|Spayer_Tricia.jpg]] I’m Tricia Spayer, candidate for STC ~Director-at-Large. I would appreciate your vote in the 2010 STC elections.
!!Why vote for me?
* I’ve been an active member in the Northeast Ohio chapter of STC (NEO STC) for almost ten years, six of which I served on the Executive Committee. I’ve gained experience as an adept leader in the positions of President, Vice President, Immediate Past President, Secretary, and Membership Chair. I’m currently serving as the Bylaws Committee Chair. During my year as President, we achieved the Chapter of Excellence award and received an Award of Distinction for PR from STC International. Through this leadership experience, I’ve learned to motivate others through respect, trustworthiness, and tenacity.<br><br>
* I served as a member of the Planning Committee for the 2007 STC Regional Conference in Cleveland, OH, which was a highly acclaimed, profitable, and professionally-run conference.<br><br>
* I received the President’s Achievement Award from NEO STC in 2009 for my leadership and contributions to the chapter’s Pacesetter and Chapter of Distinction awards.<br><br>
* At the Society level, I’ve presented at the 2009 STC International conference, reviewed program proposals for the International conference, and have volunteered for the LCR.<br><br>
* For my professional work, I achieved Best of Show and an Award of Excellence for an STC Online competition, along with an Award of Merit for an STC Technical Publications competition.<br><br>
* When I promise to do a job, I do it.<br><br>
* I am very detail-oriented, and weigh all facts before making an important decision.<br><br>
* I bring my creativity and enthusiasm to projects.<br><br>
* I give credit where credit is due. That is, most jobs or activities are the work of committees—I make a point to thank the contributors. Volunteers need to be recognized, rewarded, and thanked.<br><br>
*It’s time to use my experience to benefit the whole Society.
!!What future enhancements would I like to see in the Society?
The basic description of STC states that “STC is an individual membership organization dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of technical communication.” The key word I see is “individual.” I would love to see a program like I have observed in Toastmasters, where people complete a defined number of projects to achieve a certain level of recognition. They complete that level, and move on to more advanced projects to attain the next level, then the next. Toastmasters has a Communication track, as well as a Leadership track, so people can focus on different skills. Achievement is at an individual level, so the faster people work, the faster they reach their goals. Toastmasters has mentors and experienced leaders, just as we already have in STC – it would be great to use these resources to expand our knowledge. I feel that STC members would benefit by learning specific skills and receiving accreditation for these skills.
The work that has already been done to capture the STC Body of Knowledge is a fantastic resource. I hope that project continues to grow and that STC can soon provide certification.
I would like to see STC expand its membership base by advertising and sponsoring through educational institutions, engineering societies, and related professional organizations.
Most of us are aware that STC has been through a difficult period. I am not afraid of challenges. I’ve been a part of huge projects, such as the 2007 STC Regional Conference in Cleveland, and my company’s implementation of a content management software package, with excellent results. I know that change does not happen overnight. It takes determination and dedication to see a project through. I am ready for this challenge.
To see my experience and list of achievements, visit http://triciaspayer.com
Please vote for me in the STC 2010 elections. Thank you!
Do you want to get involved, learn new skills, network, and make a difference? It’s your time to shine! Take a look at our current openings and let me know where you fit in! Just email me at <html><a ref="mailto:volunteers@stc-dfw.org">volunteers@stc-dfw.org</a></html> and let me know where you want to help!
[>img[WC Wiese photo|wiese.jpg]] Because of the economic issues and their unparalleled impact on STC, this year’s elections are especially important. 2010 becomes another year of course correction for the Society, with a disproportionately high impact on technical communicators.
Will this Board of Directors be asked to close down STC? Let’s hope not. But economic pressures and STC’s ongoing membership declines mandate change:
*''STC must become an organization for the future.'' We can remain a Baby Boomer organization and dwindle. Or, to survive, we must meet the needs of young professionals and students. That means STC must engage them sooner, learn to speak in new ways, use different communication channels, and address early-career professional needs.<br><br>
* ''STC must be about jobs.'' We must do more to help members find the opportunities they seek, raise perception of STC’s value, and research and share economic metrics that quantify the impact of what we do.<br><br>
* ''We must strengthen STC’s financial foundation.'' We’ll need to match the cost of services to demand for them, reexamine the educational products we offer, and offer value that professionals agree is worth the cost of membership.<br><br>
* ''STC should partner.'' We have much to learn and much to gain from partnerships with smaller professional organizations, such as the Association of Teachers of Technical Writing (ATTW) and American Society for Indexing (ASI). They generally support our interests but have not been as severely impacted by the current economy.<br><br>
* ''STC must mend ties to chapters and ~SIGs.'' These valued groups have always been most effective in promoting STC and generating the leaders who will carry STC forward.
As a former chapter president and treasurer, I recognize that chapter and SIG membership issues are really STC’s membership issues—we must work together to solve them. Community health is ultimately STC’s health because chapters and ~SIGs attract members, encourage risk-taking and individual growth, and generate future leaders.
As STC treasurer, I worked with 3 STC Executive Directors in 4 years, contributing to financial stability during the change process. During my term, I implemented the chapter treasurers’ discussion group to enhance mentorship and communication, supported infrastructure investment, made chapter and STC financial concerns visible to the Board of Directors, and fought to strengthen STC’s financial footing.
I now need your vote to help strengthen STC’s capacity to serve a new generation of members and ensure its future.
Please send your suggestions and concerns to the campaign website at: http://notebook.stc.org/2010-election/director/