February 26th, 2010
I admit that the STC Chapter Renewal Challenge has awakened my competitive side. I want to win. I want to win for the thrill. I want to win, so that our chapter is recognized internationally. I want to win, so that we can raffle prizes to reward our loyal members ( a 23” full HD LCD monitor, a one terabyte external hard drive, a 2010 STC Summit registration, a 2010 membership Gold upgrade, and a 2011 basic membership renewal).
Regardless of my competitive streak and my obvious desire to pull ahead of Toronto, I could not recommend membership or renewal if I did not truly believe in it. I included my testimonial with the others on this blog. If those testimonials were not enough to convince you, then please read about the benefits of chapter membership: www.stcrmc.org/documents/STCRMCMembershipBenefits.pdf. Our chapter is more than the sum of monthly chapter meetings.
If you have not renewed, we would like to hear why. Our success is measured by how well we meet the needs of all of our members. Your input will help guide us. Our goal is to create a nurturing, supportive, fun chapter for the technical communicators in our state (yes, our state – not only Denver). Leave your comments here or send a private message to stc.rmc at gmail.
I believe one of the most crucial ways of enriching our community is to increase participation. We all have unique experiences, unique paths, and unique stories. Why not share those experiences, share that path, and share those stories? We’re listening…
–Michelle Despres
Tags: Contests, STC Membership
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February 16th, 2010
By Deanna Mosler
Our January meeting began with announcements regarding upcoming elections for new officers of our local RMC Chapter. Interested members need to submit their names and related information to the chapter soon. Members were asked over dinner to complete large place cards with information on “What I Need” and “What I Do.” Responses could be anything — not just related to technical communication. The exercise provided some valuable information to members along with some interesting talking points. This information was then gathered at the end of the meeting and summarized for attendees in an email.
Ruth Gaulke, President, STC RMC
Our members were then treated to a captivating presentation on corporate communications, both internal and external. Karen Eckmann, Vice President of Corporate Communications for CSG, Systems, Inc., was our presenter for the evening. CSG provides a variety of software systems for numerous industries in North America.
Presenter for January meeting - Karen Eckmann, Vice President of Corporate Communications for CSG, Systems, Inc.
Ms. Eckmann’s area of expertise primarily involves marketing, but she discussed the importance of some essential cross over applications to technical communication for technical organizations. Both marketing and technical communication bring value to a business especially as companies begin to grow and diversify their business.
In her outline, Ms. Eckmann mentions five areas related to corporate communications. These areas include who all is communicating within the organization and their impact. She also mentions how these communications relate to a changing business environment and the importance of staying motivated in the communications process. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Deanna Mosler, Karen Eckmann, Meeting Review
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February 16th, 2010
Michelle Despres
How did you get your start as a technical communicator?
About ten years ago, I was working at NASDAQ when the company introduced their first technical writer position and offered it to me. My educational background in English and logic proved to be a perfect combination for the role. I joined STC, subscribed to electronic mailing lists, and read books to learn more about the profession, methodologies, and tools and to begin creating a network of fellow professionals. It was the first of my three positions as a lone writer. While at NASDAQ, I went back to graduate school for my MA. My specialization in composition and rhetoric focused on technical communication.
What was your first or favorite technical writing project? Describe some of the challenges you faced and successes realized as you completed it.
I’ve always worked in software and for companies that support traders and analysts. After NASDAQ, I was hired by a Manhattan equities firm that had no technical writer and no software documentation. I started with a blank page on the screen. In three months, I went through every window, field, task, and option to create the company’s first software manual, which was well-received.
My subject matter experts were traders, who were busy on the floor most of the day. I learned to schedule meetings after market close (when it’s best for the SME, not me), to be prepared with thoughtful questions, and to get to the point during interviews. Almost anyone is willing to help if you respect the process. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Interview, Michelle Despres, STC RMC Council
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February 7th, 2010
It’s almost that time of year again! The Rocky Mountain Chapter will soon be seeking new officers for 2010-2011. Volunteering for office provides an excellent opportunity to network with peers, grow professionally and personally, and serve your profession. And, given today’s dynamic environment, it’s an exciting time to get involved in our chapter and make a difference.
Descriptions of all the elected chapter offices can be found here: http://stcrmc.org/elections/runforoffice.htm
Remember that Committee Chairs are not elected; they are appointed by the Council.
To become a candidate or to recommend someone else for office, please contact Ron Arner (ron_arner@comcast.net) or Joel Meier (joel_meier@comcast.net).
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February 3rd, 2010
Captivate is a tool that you can use to create eLearning modules, software simulations, and demonstrations, which you can include in help projects.
If you’re new to Captivate or just trying to learn more about it, here are some good resources to get you started.
Tags: Captivate
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