The once stable, almost staid world of technical writing has turned turbulent. Consider that, in less than a decade, we’ve seen:
- The rise of topic-based authoring
- The rise of structured authoring in general, and DITA in particular
- Increasingly complex technical ecosystems that ask us to decide about the Mark of the Web and quirks vs. strict browser modes
- The growth of mobile devices, and the need to create single-source output that can work on them, as well as a standard PC or laptop
- The growth of social media and the need to integrate content from social media with that from more traditional documentation
- The spread of metadata and the promise of dynamically-modeled online help, CMSs, and more…
What exactly can we expect, and how do we deal with all this?
In this presentation by Neil Perlin, a 31-year veteran of technical communication, we’ll first look at the high-level technologies and methodologies coming our way. We’ll then look at what we need to do to function in this environment, such as:
- Viewing ourselves as independent consultants rather than employees
- Taking charge of our own careers, rather than waiting for the company to do so
- Accepting the need for lifelong technical learning
- Accepting the need to go beyond technology and writing and into the business side of our world
These are turbulent times. But they’re interesting times too, promising new and challenging work, if we keep up.
Come join the conversation at the September 14th chapter meeting as Neil gives his take on where things are going and how best prepare for the future.
About the Speaker
Neil Perlin, owner and principal consultant of Hyper/Word Services, entered technical writing in 1979, began creating online documentation in 1985, and is now an internationally-recognized expert in online help and documentation design and development. He has been providing online documentation training and consulting services for 15 years, is a popular speaker at various technical communication groups and conferences, organized and ran the “Beyond the Bleeding Edge” stem at the STC annual conference from 1999 to 2006 and again in 2010, and is a columnist for the STC and IEEE/PCS. He also spends enough time travelling to indulge his road hobby, searching out fine BBQ joints. He can be reached at nperlin@nperlin.cnc.net, or at his web site – www.hyperword.com.
Meeting Details
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
- 5:30 Check-in & Networking
- 6:00 Dinner
- 6:30 Announcements and Discussion
- 7:00-8:30 Program
Dinner Options
Meat Entree: Chicken Florentine
Vegetarian Entree: Vegetable Wellington
All entrees include a tossed green salad, rolls, tea, coffee and dessert.
Location
Phoenix Airport Hilton, 2435 South 47th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034-6410
Located just northwest of Route 143 and University Drive. From University, turn north on 47th Place, and the hotel is ahead about two blocks on the left.
Registration/Cost Information
- Chapter Member via Pay Pal $18
- Chapter Member paid at meeting $20
- STC Member-at-Large $25
- Non-member $35
- Student $15
- Program only $10
New Member Incentive:
Member and first-time guest this program year: $40 for two dinner/program
Not a member, but want to attend? We can match you with a member for one meeting this program year, at the discounted price. Contact Jan at programs@stc-phoenix.com if you are interested.
Registration Deadline:
Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Noon. We cannot guarantee a dinner to late registrants, although there may be one available. Please be sure to ask. No-shows will be billed.
Register Online:
To register for this event, please click here.
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