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	<title>STC-Phoenix.com &#187; Rough Draft Newsletter</title>
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		<title>Forensic Linguistics: Real-life CSI with Word People</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/11/15/forensic-linguistics-real-life-csi-with-word-people/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/11/15/forensic-linguistics-real-life-csi-with-word-people/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2010 03:31:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jan Kruse</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[aHome Page]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latest Chapter News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=71481</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ransom notes, terrorist threats, stalker letters…the language used in these documents can give clues about their authors. Forensic linguists apply linguistic analysis to legal documents of all types, and work both with lawyers and law enforcement. This presentation will focus specifically on analysis of written evidence—criminal or potentially criminal communications—using real-life examples.
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ransom notes, terrorist threats, stalker letters…the language used in these documents can give clues about their authors. Forensic linguists apply linguistic analysis to legal documents of all types, and work both with lawyers and law enforcement. This presentation will focus specifically on analysis of written evidence—criminal or potentially criminal communications—using real-life examples.<br />
 <br />
Learn about what the language used in a document can tell us about its author, and the techniques used to find those clues. Play forensic investigator during the audience participation activities.<br />
 <br />
Join us December 14th for an enlightening and entertaining glimpse at forensic linguistics!</p>
<h2>About the Speaker &#8211; Joe Devney</h2>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-71578" title="Joe_TechproseArticle" src="http://www.stc-phoenix.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Joe_TechproseArticle3-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />The subtitle of this month’s presentation is “Real-life CSI with Word People.” Joseph Devney, M.A., is a &#8220;word person&#8221; himself. He has been a technical writer (and STC member) in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years, but his lifelong interest in language is now taking him in a new direction. He took a sabbatical to earn a Master’s degree in Linguistics at Georgetown University, and found out about the fascinating field of Forensic Linguistics, the intersection of linguistics and the law.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Joe has been a technical writer since 1995,  and has long been active in STC. He was president of the Berkeley, California chapter and has served as a judge for the technical communication competitions at both the local and international levels. He taught an introductory class in Adobe FrameMaker through his home chapter, and has given this presentation there. This year he was nominated for the honorary rank of Associate Fellow of the Society. (New Associate Fellows will be announced in January.)</p>
<p>Joe is also a native Arizonan, born in Tucson, where he lived until age 9.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">Meeting Details</h2>
<p>Tuesday, December 14, 2010</p>
<p>5:30 Check-in &amp; Networking<br />
6:00 Dinner<br />
6:30 Announcements &#8211; Membership Drive<br />
7:00-8:30 Program</p>
<h2>Dinner Options</h2>
<p><strong>Meat Entree</strong>: Beef Stroganoff &#8211; Thin slices of tender beef, onions and mushrooms, in a sour cream sauce served over buttered noodles.<br />
 <br />
<strong>Vegetarian Entree</strong>: Vegetable Lasagna &#8211; The Hilton&#8217;s twist on the original using grilled vegetables and a creamy white sauce.<br />
 <br />
All entrees include a tossed green salad, rolls, tea, coffee and dessert.</p>
<h2>Location</h2>
<p>Phoenix Airport Hilton, 2435 South 47th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034-6410</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Registration/Cost Information</h2>
<p>Chapter Member via Pay Pal $18<br />
Chapter Member paid at meeting $20<br />
STC Member-at-Large $25<br />
Non-member $35<br />
Student $15<br />
Program only $10</p>
<h2>Rewards Program &#8211; Earn a Free Dinner</h2>
<p>Starting with the Sept. 2010 meeting, those who have contributed $70.00 or more for dinner meeting attendance, “program only” attendance, or combination of the two, can earn a free dinner.  Rewards can be redeemed for one dinner meeting starting with the June 2011 meeting and ending with December 2011 dinner meeting.</p>
<h2>New Member Incentive</h2>
<p>Member and first-time guest this program year: $40 for two dinner/program</p>
<p>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 <a href="mailto:programs@stc-phoenix.com">programs@stc-phoenix.com</a> if you are interested.</p>
<h2>Registration Deadline</h2>
<p><strong>Thursday, December 9, 2010 at Noon</strong>. We cannot guarantee a dinner to late registrants, although there may be one available. Please be sure to ask. No-shows will be billed.</p>
<h2>Register Online</h2>
<p>To register for this event, <a href="http://www.stc-phoenix.com/event-registration/">please click here.</a></p>
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		<title>Free and Low-Cost Webinars</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/25/webinars/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/25/webinars/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 06:06:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gloria McConnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[April/May 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=27688</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Various May 2010 webinars from around the Web: Improve Communication &#38; Collaboration, from Microsoft May 11, 2010, 9:00-10:00 AM PST Writing for Business &#8211; 50 Technical Tips, from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) May 11, 2010, 4:00 PM MST  3D Without the Glasses: Adding Dynamic 3D Images to your Technical Publications, from CIDM [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Various May 2010 webinars from around the Web:<br />
<a href="https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032442069&amp;EventCategory=2&amp;culture=en-US&amp;CountryCode=US" target="_blank"><strong>Improve Communication &amp; Collaboration</strong></a>, from Microsoft<br />
May 11, 2010, 9:00-10:00 AM PST</p>
<p><a href="http://ahdionline.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-webinar-open-for-registration_19.html" target="_blank"><strong>Writing for Business &#8211; 50 Technical Tips</strong></a>, from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI)<br />
May 11, 2010, 4:00 PM MST</p>
<p> <a href="http://www.infomanagementcenter.com/index.php?page=1731" target="_blank"><strong>3D Without the Glasses: Adding Dynamic 3D Images to your Technical Publications</strong></a>, from CIDM<br />
May 18, 2010, 12:00 PM EST<br />
Explore the benefits you can achieve and the costs you can save by working directly with engineering design content</p>
<p><a href="http://www.stc.org/edu/seminars01.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Creating and Managing Requirements for a New Content Strategy</strong></a>, from STC<br />
May 19,  2010<strong>,</strong> 1:00–2:00 PM EST</p>
<p><a href="http://www.stc.org/edu/seminars01.asp" target="_blank"><strong>Sketching User Experiences with Design Studio Method</strong></a>, from STC<br />
May 26,  2010, 1:00–2:00 PM EST</p>
<p><a href="http://stcid.ehost.com/wp/?page_id=1089" target="_blank"><strong>Fundamentals of Designing a Curriculum</strong></a>, from the STC Instructional Design &amp; Learning SIG<br />
May 27,  2010, 1:30–3:00 PM EST</p>
<p><strong>Anytime from the STC Consulting &amp; Independent Contractor SIG: </strong>Purchase recorded versions of <a href="http://www.stcsig.org/cic/pages/webinarafterevent.htm" target="_blank">CIC SIG webinars</a>, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>What Really Works to Find Clients&#8230; And What Doesn&#8217;t</li>
<li>Small Business in a Nutshell</li>
<li>A Guide to Surviving the Job Famine: ADDIE for Job Searching</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Tooling Around</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/25/tooling-around-6/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/25/tooling-around-6/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:16:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gloria McConnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[April/May 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=26400</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Great HAT Resource by Gloria McConnell If you are in the market for a new Help authoring tool (HAT), check out http://hat-matrix.com. This site presents significant information, categorized very thoroughly tag, about the following tools: Author-it (Author-it Software Corp.) Doc-To-Help Enterprise (ComponentOne) Dr. Explain (Indigo Byte Systems) FAR (helpware.net) Flare (MadCap Software) Help &#38; Manual (EC [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Great HAT Resource</h2>
<p><em>by Gloria McConnell</em></p>
<p>If you are in the market for a new Help authoring tool (HAT), check out <a href="http://hat-matrix.com">http://hat-matrix.com</a>. This site presents significant information, categorized very thoroughly<span id="more-26400"></span> tag, about the following tools:</p>
<ul>
<li>Author-it (Author-it Software Corp.)</li>
<li>Doc-To-Help Enterprise (ComponentOne)</li>
<li>Dr. Explain (Indigo Byte Systems)</li>
<li>FAR (helpware.net)</li>
<li>Flare (MadCap Software)</li>
<li>Help &amp; Manual (EC Software)</li>
<li>HelpConsole 2008 (ExtremeEase)</li>
<li>HelpServer (4ST)</li>
<li>HelpStudio (Innovasys)</li>
<li>Mif2Go (Omni Systems)</li>
<li>RoboHelp (Adobe)</li>
</ul>
<p>Tools are added based on vendor request, so if you do not see a  product of interest, you are encouraged to contact the company and tell them about hat-matrix.com.</p>
<p><a href="http://hat-matrix.com" target="_blank">hat-matrix.com </a>includes over twenty categories for comparison, such as  a product&#8217;s analytical or table editing capabilities. You can search for tools by feature or compare up to four tools by category. For example, if you are interested in image features, you can select any number of the following features and find products that have the selected features (or compare up to four products at one time):</p>
<ul>
<li>Add with drag-and-drop</li>
<li>Imagemap/SHED editor (built-in) </li>
<li>Insert Flash Movie in Word</li>
<li>Movie-making application: built-in</li>
<li>Movie-making application: separate but integrated</li>
<li>Output controlled by settings</li>
<li>Resize within editor</li>
<li>Resize with style</li>
<li>Resize with template</li>
<li>Screen capture application: built-in</li>
<li>Screen capture application: separated but integrated</li>
<li>Support vector graphics</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Grammar, Anyone?</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/25/grammar-anyone-5/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/25/grammar-anyone-5/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:02:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms. Grammar</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[April/May 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=26624</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[  Finding the Meaning by Ms. Grammar  Awk /awk/:  An expression which is awkward to manipulate&#8230; (dictionary.com) The definition above is from the programming, but it can also be applied to those snarled, complicated sentences and paragraphs that we all encounter.  Technical editors write &#8220;awk&#8221; in the margin when they find such content. Such problems might be found [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<h3>Finding the Meaning</h3>
<p><em>by Ms. Grammar</em></p>
<p> <strong>Awk</strong> /awk/:  An expression which is awkward to manipulate&#8230; <em>(dictionary.com)</em></p>
<p>The definition above is from the programming, but it can also be applied to those snarled, complicated sentences and paragraphs that we all encounter.  Technical editors write &#8220;awk&#8221; in the margin when they find such content. Such problems might be found in an engineering specification we are trying to digest, a white paper we are editing, or in our own writing. Let&#8217;s face it, writing clearly  is never simple. </p>
<p>Kathy Underwood of the STC Technical Editing SIG offers a great method for dissecting tangled content that involves a simplified diagramming approach.</p>
<p>Learn this approach &#8211; you won&#8217;t be sorry! Read <a href="http://www.stc-techedit.org/tiki-index.php?page=Technical+Stylist%E2%80%99s+Tip%3A+The+Diagramless+Diagram" target="_blank">Technical Stylist’s Tip: The Diagramless Diagram</a>.</p>
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		<title>Chapter Rewards Members</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/25/renewal-winners/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/25/renewal-winners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:04:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gloria McConnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[April/May 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=27454</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Renewal Challenge Winners The STC Phoenix chapter currently has 74 members, which is a 57%  renewal rate. Thanks to all renewing members, and congratulations to the following chapter renewal challenge winners: Marion Barchilon Maggie Haenel Glenn Michaels Michell Parcell Each winner received a $50 Borders gift certificate!  Winners were selected by drawing from all members who renewed by [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Renewal Challenge Winners</h3>
<p>The STC Phoenix chapter currently has 74 members, which is a 57%  renewal rate. Thanks to all renewing members, and congratulations to the following chapter renewal challenge winners:</p>
<ul>
<li>Marion Barchilon</li>
<li>Maggie Haenel</li>
<li>Glenn Michaels</li>
<li>Michell Parcell</li>
</ul>
<p>Each winner received a <strong>$50 Borders gift certificate</strong>!  Winners were selected by drawing from all members who renewed by the specified date last winter.</p>
<h3>Loyal Attendees Reward</h3>
<p>Members who have spent $60 throughout the year on any combination of chapter programs and meetings will receive the <strong>June dinner meeting free</strong>!  Our June meeting features accomplished technical communicator Bonni Graham with a humorous look at tech. comm. topics. Members who qualify for the free dinner will be notified in May.</p>
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		<title>Chapter Achieves Excellence</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/19/chapter-achieves-excellence/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/04/19/chapter-achieves-excellence/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Apr 2010 06:25:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gloria McConnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[April/May 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=26228</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Phoenix Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication has been designated as a Community of Excellence by the Society. It is not the first time our chapter has received such a distinction, due to the hard work and dedication of our members over the years. Thanks to everyone who has contributed in the past year. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.stc-phoenix.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/caa-excellence-logo.gif" alt="" width="48" height="112" align="left" />The Phoenix Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication has been designated as a <strong>Community of Excellence </strong>by the Society. It is not the first time our chapter has received such a distinction, due to the hard work and dedication of our members over the years.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone who has contributed in the past year. If you have not yet volunteered to serve our chapter, please consider doing so! Several open positions exist, and they do not necessarily take much time. See our <a href="http://www.stc-phoenix.com/chapter-contacts/">Contacts</a> page and look for open positions &#8211; one is probably just right for you! Contact <a href="mailto:president@stc-phoenix.com/">president@stc-phoenix.com/</a> to volunteer for a position.</p>
<p>Congratulations to our chapter!</p>
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		<title>How Did We Do in 2009?</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/03/08/how-did-we-do-in-2009/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/03/08/how-did-we-do-in-2009/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:58:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMAC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mar/Apr 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Surveys and Polls]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=24345</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Maura Betler, our member survey manager, submitted the summary of the 2009 survey results. You can read all about it here:  http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010-caa/Survey_results2009_summary.pdf]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Maura Betler, our member survey manager, submitted the summary of the 2009 survey results. You can read all about it here:  http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010-caa/Survey_results2009_summary.pdf</p>
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		<title>Are Ready for a Challenge?</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/02/28/are-ready-for-a-challenge/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/02/28/are-ready-for-a-challenge/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:48:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blogroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMAC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governance & Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[January/February 2009 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mar/Apr 2010 Issue]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=24319</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[STC Phoenix is looking for a few good people to fill chapter leadership positions. As many of you know, this last year has been a challenging year for STC leadership at the International and community level. Fortunately, STC Phoenix&#8217;s leadership is strong and has conserved our funds while offering programs and activities and adding member [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>STC Phoenix is looking for a few good people to fill chapter leadership positions. As many of you know, this last year has been a challenging year for STC leadership at the International and community level. Fortunately, STC Phoenix&#8217;s leadership is strong and has conserved our funds while offering programs and activities and adding member value.</p>
<p>If you care about the future of the Phoenix chapter, now is the time to step forward and offer to take on a leadership role. Every position takes a commitment of some kind, mostly time. Some jobs take less than others, but all are necessary and valued. The elected positions and summary of their duties are:</p>
<ul>
<li>President: Chairs all meetings and shapes chapter activities for the program year. Attends the annual STC Summit. Completes and submits required reports to the STC Board and LCR (Leadership Community Resources). And more.</li>
<li>Vice President: tasks as assigned by the President. Fills in for the President as needed.</li>
<li>Treasurer: manages the chapter funds tracking income and expenditures. Reports monthly to CMAC.</li>
<li>Secretary: takes CMAC meeting minutes and publishes them in a timely manner.</li>
<li>Membership Manager:  keeps track of the Chapter membership. Welcomes new chapter members, provides membership materials, may sit at the registration desk for program meetings.</li>
<li>Program Manager: works with the Program committee to establish the program event schedule for the year. May include educational workshops.</li>
</ul>
<p>STC Phoenix needs your help to continue to grow and prosper. Won&#8217;t you join the team?</p>
<p>Interested parties may contact Karen Zorn, president@stc-phoenix.com, or Chanda Child, chanda.child@cox.net.</p>
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		<title>Grammar Anyone?</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/29/grammar-anyone-4/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/29/grammar-anyone-4/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:56:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ms. Grammar</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Grammar Anyone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[January/February 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=24155</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you help your company maintain its corporate and brand identity? Despite the economy and company events that may have left you with a bitter taste in your mouth, if you appreciate your job, you need to do what you can to help your company succeed.  Brand identity equals consumer recognition and helps your company differentiate itself from competitors. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>Helping your company&#8217;s branding efforts</h3>
<p><em>by Ms. Grammar</em></p>
<p>Do you help your company maintain its corporate and brand identity? Despite the economy and company events that may have left you with a bitter taste in your mouth, if you appreciate your job, you need to do what you can to help your company succeed.  Brand identity equals consumer recognition and helps your company differentiate itself from competitors.<span id="more-24155"></span></p>
<p><strong>Company guidelines</strong></p>
<p>If your company has brand identity guidelines, make sure you follow them. Are certain placements required for the company logo? Is there an informal name for your company or a product that should not be used in formal publications? Make sure you follow these rules. And if your company does not have identity guidelines, you might offer to write them!</p>
<p><strong>Trademarks</strong></p>
<p>Use trademarks properly:</p>
<ol>
<li>Give notice that a mark is registered. The frontmatter of technical documents often includes notices, including trademark statements such as &#8220;Doc-o-Mat is a trademark (or registered trademark) of the Dynamo Corporation.&#8221;  In addition, the first appearance of a trademarked term in the body of the document should include the TM or <span style="font-size: medium;">®</span> symbol.</li>
<li>A trademarked term should never be used as a noun. It should be an adjective preceding a generic product noun. For example, the &#8220;Doc-Mat document generator.&#8221;  That being said, one large corporation&#8217;s legal department approved the use of the trademarked term as a noun in user documentation as long as the trademark statement appeared at the front of the document and the correct presentation was used in the introduction.</li>
<li>Use the mark distinctively. Initial capital letters, all capital letters, italics, boldface, are all ways of distinguishing the mark from surrounding text.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Do the little things</strong></p>
<p>For example:</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span>  </strong>Include the <em>company</em> name in the first paragraph of the introduction of your document or training materials, not just the product name. </p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300;">» </span> </strong>If you create online Help, include the company name in the Help title &#8211; so that it appears in the Help title bar. For example, &#8220;Dynamo Doc-o-Mat Help.&#8221;</p>
<p>If your product developers are not following branding standards in the product, encourage them to follow suit. For example:</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span>  </strong>The product&#8217;s title bar should include the company name along with the product name. <br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span>  </strong>Start menu items should begin with the company name.<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span>  </strong>The splash screen and Help &gt; About dialog box should include the company and product name, as well as version, copyright and trademark information.<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span>  </strong>And certainly the correct product terms (typically determined by Marketing) should be used within the product. Developers are not always careful.</p>
<p>You can gain an ally in Marketing and expand your role in the development team by watching for these brand identity issues in the product.</p>
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		<title>Seeking A&#8217;s in a C World</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/28/seeking-as-in-a-c-world/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/28/seeking-as-in-a-c-world/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:52:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gloria McConnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[January/February 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technical Writing Tips & News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=24140</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Gloria McConnell Did you read Neil Perlin&#8217;s article in the December 2009 Intercom? If not, make the time. It is well worth it: “Perfect vs. Good Enough”— Writing Quality in the Online Age. Neil first wrote the article nine years ago, and updated it in 2009. In 2007, Paul Davies of Sun Microsystem also discussed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>by Gloria McConnell</em></p>
<p>Did you read Neil Perlin&#8217;s article in the December 2009 <em>Intercom</em>? If not, make the time. It is well worth it: <a href="http://www.stc.org/Intercom/PDFs/2009/200912_30-32.pdf" target="_blank">“Perfect vs. Good Enough”— Writing Quality in the Online Age</a>.</p>
<p>Neil first wrote the article nine years ago, and updated it in 2009. In 2007, Paul Davies of Sun Microsystem also discussed this topic in his weblog. The article is <a href="http://blogs.sun.com/techscribe/entry/time_to_go_home" target="_blank">Time to Go Home</a>.  </p>
<p>If you are ready to lower your standards effectively but aren&#8217;t sure how to go about it, you might want to check into the <a href="http://www.gordonandgordon.com/good_enough_workshop_details.html" target="_blank">Good Enough Documentation Workshop</a> from Gordon and Gordon. They state:</p>
<blockquote><p>Today&#8217;s successful software publishers release &#8220;good-enough&#8221; software, and writers need to produce &#8220;good-enough&#8221; documentation to ship with it. </p></blockquote>
<p> What do you think of the &#8220;good enough&#8221; approach? Log in to our site and leave a comment.</p>
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		<title>Haven&#8217;t Renewed Yet?</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/27/havent-renewed-yet/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/27/havent-renewed-yet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:52:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gloria McConnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[January/February 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=24136</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are still debating the value of STC membership, and are perhaps still angry over the increase in dues, please read Making the Case for Renewing  from Cybertext Consulting before you make a final decision. And, how about that MadCap deal? Purchase Flare and/or MadPak with any maintenance plan and MadCap will pay for a full year of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are still debating the value of STC membership, and are perhaps still angry over the increase in dues, please read <a href="http://cybertext.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/making-the-case-for-renewing-stc-membership/">Making the Case for Renewing </a> from Cybertext Consulting before you make a final decision.</p>
<p>And, how about that <strong>MadCap</strong> deal? Purchase Flare and/or MadPak with any maintenance plan and MadCap will pay for a full year of your STC membership dues and fees. If you are in the market for either of these products, act now! &#8211; the offer is for a limited time. See <a href="http://www.madcapsoftware.com//email/20091201/content.html" target="_blank">Madcap Deal</a>.</p>
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		<title>Around the Web</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/27/around-the-web/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/27/around-the-web/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:59:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gloria McConnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[January/February 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Useful Links]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=24120</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Compiled by Gloria McConnell Plain Language Examples Needed The Center for Plain Language is looking for examples of great communication&#8230;and for some that aren&#8217;t so great for new awards. Deadline for submission is Feb 15. Awards announcement will be April 29 in Washington DC.  See ClearMark Award. For Usability Buffs Interested in user experience design? [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>Compiled by Gloria McConnell</em></p>
<h3>Plain Language Examples Needed</h3>
<p>The Center for Plain Language is looking for examples of great communication&#8230;and for some that aren&#8217;t so great for new awards. Deadline for submission is Feb 15. Awards announcement will be April 29 in Washington DC.  See <a href="http://centerforplainlanguage.wordpress.com/">ClearMark Award</a>.</p>
<h3>For Usability Buffs</h3>
<p>Interested in user experience design? Check these two resources:<br />
<strong><span style="COLOR: #993300">»  </span></strong><a href="http://ow.ly/sST6" target="_blank">Arizona chapter of the Usability Professionals Association</a><br />
<strong><span style="COLOR: #993300">»  </span></strong><a href="http://www.rosenfeldmedia.com/" target="_blank">Rosenfeld Media</a></p>
<h3>Style Guide</h3>
<p>Of <em>Read Me First! A Style Guide for the Computer Industry, </em>Sun Microsystems says: &#8220;The must-have reference for every technical writer, editor, and documentation manager &#8211; now fully updated!&#8221; From <a href="http://www.sun.com/books/catalog/sun_tech_pub.xml" target="_blank">Sun Technical Publications</a>.</p>
<h3>Font Conference</h3>
<p>Take a few minutes to view &#8220;Font Conference,&#8221; a thoroughly delightful video from <a href="http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1823766" target="_blank">collegehumor.com</a>. Make sure your sound is on.</p>
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		<title>Free and Low-Cost Webinars</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/27/free-and-low-cost-webinars-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/27/free-and-low-cost-webinars-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jan 2010 05:17:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gloria McConnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[January/February 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Useful Links]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=24110</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The month of February has several free and low-cost offerings for technical communicators, including: STC Ten Things You Thought You Knew about Writing Wednesday, 3 February, 1:00–2:00 PM EST (GMT-5) Quick Reference Guides: Short and Sweet Technical Documentation Wednesday, 10 February, 1:00–2:00 PM EST (GMT-5) Scenario-driven Information Architecture Wednesday, 17 February, 1:00–2:00 PM EST (GMT-5) [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The month of February has several free and low-cost offerings for technical communicators, including:</p>
<p><strong>STC</strong></p>
<p><em>Ten Things You Thought You Knew about Writing </em><br />
Wednesday, 3 February, 1:00–2:00 PM EST (GMT-5)</p>
<p><em>Quick Reference Guides: Short and Sweet Technical Documentation</em><br />
Wednesday, 10 February, 1:00–2:00 PM EST (GMT-5)</p>
<p><em>Scenario-driven Information Architecture</em><br />
Wednesday, 17 February, 1:00–2:00 PM EST (GMT-5)</p>
<p>Managing Conflict on a Global Team<br />
Wednesday, 24 February, 1:00–2:00 PM EST (GMT-5)</p>
<p>Details/registration: <a href="http://www.stc.org/edu/seminars01.asp" target="_blank">STC Webinars</a></p>
<p><strong>STC Special Interest Groups</strong></p>
<p><em>Evaluating Training: Core Components in Training Materials</em><br />
Presented by Instructional Design &amp; Learning SIG<br />
Thursday, 4 February, 1:30 &#8211; 3:00 PM EST (GMT-5)<br />
Feb. 2 is the last day to register.<br />
Details/registration: <a href="http://stcid.ehost.com/wp/?page_id=103" target="_blank">IDL SIG Webinar</a></p>
<p><em><strong>FREE</strong>! Effective Job Search Techniques for 2010 &#8211; Teleconference</em><br />
Presented by Consulting and Independent Contracting SIG<br />
Wednesday, 10 February, 1:00-2:00 PM EST (GMT-5)<br />
Details/registration: <a href="http://www.stcsig.org/cic/index.html" target="_blank">CIC SIG Teleconference</a></p>
<p><strong>Other Organizations</strong></p>
<p><em>How Effective Use of Metadata and the Resource Description Framework (RDF) Can Be an Answer to Your DITA Nightmares</em><br />
Presented ComTech<br />
Tuesday February 2, 2010, 8:00-9:30 AM PST (GMT -8:00)<br />
(60 min. presentation and 30 min. Q&amp;A)<br />
Details/registration: <a href="http://www.comtech-serv.com/webinar-rdf.shtml" target="_blank">ComTech Webinar</a></p>
<p><em><strong>FREE</strong>! Form Assistant</em> (FrameMaker-to-Acrobat TimeSavers add-on)<br />
Presented by Schlomo Perets, MicroType.<br />
Thursday, February 11, 10:00 AM PST/PDT (GMT -8:00)<br />
Details/registration: <a href="http://www.microtype.com/ImprovePDF.html#TSwebinars" target="_blank">MicroType Webinars</a> </p>
<p><em><strong>FREE</strong>! DITA features in oXygen</em><br />
Presented by Scriptorium<br />
Tuesday, February 16, 11:00 AM &#8211; Noon EST (GMT -5:00)<br />
Details/registration: <a href="http://www.scriptorium.com/events?event_id=35" target="_blank">Scriptorium Webinar</a> </p>
<p><em><strong>FREE</strong>! Navigation Assistant</em> (FrameMaker-to-Acrobat TimeSavers add-on)<br />
Presented by Schlomo Perets, MicroType.<br />
February 25, 10:00 AM PST/PDT (GMT -8:00)<br />
Details/registration: <a href="http://www.microtype.com/ImprovePDF.html#TSwebinars" target="_blank">MicroType Webinars</a></p>
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		<title>Tooling Around</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/26/tooling-around-5/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/26/tooling-around-5/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:42:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gloria McConnell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[January/February 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tooling Around]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=23695</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Password-protected PDFs by Gloria McConnell So, you have taken precautions to protect your PDF file by setting various limitations and requiring a password to allow changes to the settings. In some cases, you may want to require a password just to open the file.  Adobe Acrobat allows you to password-protect the following actions: » Opening [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Password-protected PDFs</h2>
<p><em>by Gloria McConnell</em></p>
<p><img src="http://www.stc-phoenix.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/lock.GIF" alt="lock" width="47" height="50" align="left" />So, you have taken precautions to protect your PDF file by setting various limitations and requiring a password to allow changes to the settings. In some cases, you may want to require a password just to open the file.  Adobe Acrobat allows you to password-protect the following actions:</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span></strong> Opening a document<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">» </span></strong>Printing<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span></strong> Changing the document<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">» </span></strong>Commenting<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">» </span></strong>Form field completion and signatures<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span></strong> Document assembly<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span></strong> Content copying<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span></strong> Accessibility (text access for screen reader devices)<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">»</span></strong> Page extraction</p>
<p>Other PDF programs, such as Nitro PDF, provide similar security settings.</p>
<p>Your file is protected, right? <em>Probably not</em>, as discussed in the following paragraphs.<em> </em></p>
<h3>Crack the Code</h3>
<p>Perhaps you have a <em>legitimate</em> reason to open (and/or copy from, change, print, or add comments in) a password-protected file, but do not have the password. I had such an experience recently. A PDF reference document for a course I&#8217;m taking is completely blocked except for printing. I would like to use highlighting and commenting in this file <em>for my personal use</em>, but I can&#8217;t.</p>
<p>Maybe you have a password-protected file and need to make a simple change. PDF-ing the source again might be a complex, time-consuming effort. You&#8217;re on a deadline and you have forgotten the password! (Or your coworker, who knows it, is on vacation in Tanzania.)</p>
<p>Enter PDF password-cracking software. Several companies offer it, including those in the following list. I tried the  PDFKey Pro demo and it seemed to work like a charm (the demo allows you to unlock one page).</p>
<p>So, if you find yourself with a legitimate need to &#8220;get into&#8221; a password-protected PDF file, all may not be lost! Following are just three of the many products that will crack the PDF password(s) for you.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #993300;">» </span></strong><a href="http://www.guapdf.com/" target="_blank">Guaranteed PDF Decrypter</a> <strong><span style="color: #993300;"><br />
»</span></strong><a href="http://pdfkey.com/" target="_blank"> PDFKey Pro</a> <strong><span style="color: #993300;"><br />
» </span></strong><a href="http://www.eltima.com/products/pdf-password-recovery/" target="_blank">Recover PDF Password Mac or PC </a></p>
<h3>Beef up the Protection</h3>
<p>On the other hand, if you need a protection code that can&#8217;t be cracked, turn to products such as:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.locklizard.com/pdf-security-document.htm?gclid=CKbn-sWdsp8CFQJaagodnG1H0g" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: #993300;">» </span></strong>Lizard Safeguard</a><br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">» </span></strong><a href="http://www.bookguardpro.com/home.php" target="_blank">Book Guard Pro</a><br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">» </span></strong><a href="http://www.crypkey.com/landing/dlm_pdf.php?gclid=CPmNz4Sisp8CFQJaagodnG1H0g" target="_blank">CrypKey</a></p>
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		<title>Invest Now by Seeding the Clouds</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/18/invest-now-by-seeding-the-clouds/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/18/invest-now-by-seeding-the-clouds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:13:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jan Kruse</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[January/February 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meeting Materials & Comments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=24077</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The January program meeting, Seeding the Clouds, was a delightful exercise in looking at the possibilities open to Technical Communicators! John Hedtke, author, consultant, writer,  and long- standing STC member, left us with two dozen tips and a number of success stories to help inspire us to find our next job. The key is to take  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The January program meeting, <em>Seeding the Clouds</em>, was a delightful exercise in looking at the possibilities open to Technical Communicators! John Hedtke, author, consultant, writer,  and long- standing STC member, left us with two dozen tips and a number of success stories to help inspire us to find our next job. The key is to take  action now! Check out  a few of John&#8217;s tips below and how you might put them into practice.</p>
<ul>
<li>Tip # 3 Build a professional website. (Buy a domain too.)</li>
<li>Tip # 22 Do More.</li>
<li>Tip # 23 Do it Differently</li>
</ul>
<p>John suggested that what ever you have been doing, do more of it. <em>Double</em> the time you have been taking to market yourself.</p>
<p>Hmmm&#8230; Could you use social media to give you an edge? The February chapter meeting, <em>Getting Social Media to Work for You</em>, features  <em>Jack Smith</em>, an  interactive media consultant specializing in social media. He&#8217;ll give some examples and some practical advice to help get you started.</p>
<ul>
<li>Tip # 4 Add a New Technical/Professional skill.</li>
<li>Tip # 6 Change Your Venue (Try a new kind of Technical Communication).</li>
</ul>
<p>Our March and April programs feature two well-known experts in the Tech. Comm. field who will give you the foundation for a new skill:</p>
<ul>
<li>How about getting a handle on Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA)? Our virtual meeting in March features <em>Sarah O&#8217;Keefe</em>, Founder and President of Scriptorium Publishing, who will sort out the basics of <em>DITA</em>.  And&#8230; you can join us from the comforts of your own home.</li>
<li>or is e-learning something that intrigues you?  Our April meeting  features  Sedona&#8217;s own <em>Jane Smith</em>,  President of JEM Communications. Jane Smith has been an instructional designer for over 23 years and  will give us the scoop on <em>Common Misconceptions about e-Learning</em>.</li>
</ul>
<p>John suggested that another way to change your venue would be to write a magazine article or a  non-fiction book. But he didn&#8217;t stop there. He provides the &#8220;how tos&#8221;  on <a href="http://www.hedtke.com/clouds.htm">www.hedtke.com/clouds.htm</a></p>
<ul>
<li>Tip # 11 Network as much as possible.</li>
<li>Tip # 12 Go to every STC event that you can.</li>
<li>Tip # 24 Have fun!</li>
</ul>
<p>John suggested  you have your business cards and resume (both printed and on your thumb drive) with you at all times. (Take them to STC events and non-STC events alike.)</p>
<p>Also, if you find that there just isn&#8217;t enough time to connect with everyone at our program dinner meetings, you can practice your networking skills at our next Meet &amp; Greet in May at the Spaghetti Factory.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s never to late to get started!</p>
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		<title>And the Winner Is&#8230;.</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/05/and-the-winner-is/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2010/01/05/and-the-winner-is/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:27:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[January/February 2010 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meeting Materials & Comments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rough Draft Newsletter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=24032</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you missed the December 2009 Membership Meeting, you really missed some excitement! Mike Hamilton, VP Product Manager for Madcap, was the evening&#8217;s presenter. It’s been four years or more since Madcap visited our chapter, so Mike updated us on their lead product, Flare, and introduced Flare’s companion products. But the real excitement of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you missed the December 2009 Membership Meeting, you really missed some excitement!</p>
<p>Mike Hamilton, VP Product Manager for Madcap, was the evening&#8217;s presenter. It’s been four years or more since Madcap visited our chapter, so Mike updated us on their lead product, Flare, and introduced Flare’s companion products. But the real excitement of the evening came when it was time for the door prize drawing&#8211;a Madcap sponsored STC membership (International, chapter, and one SIG)! Although the rules stated that to be eligible you had to have renewed your membership by the meeting date, only a few in attendance had done so. A last minute on-the-fly Administrative Council conference changed that to any STC member attending the meeting was eligible. The lucky winner was:</p>
<p>Shelly Duncan!</p>
<p>Congratulations, Shelly.</p>
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		<title>STC Logo Especially for Members</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2009/10/22/stc-logo-especially-for-members/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2009/10/22/stc-logo-especially-for-members/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:25:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[November/December 2009 Issue]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=23781</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Did you know that as an STC member you can use a special STC Member logo on your website, business cards, and other related material? For more information: http://notebook.stc.org/new-stc-member-benefit-stc-member-logos]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Did you know that as an STC member you can use a special STC Member logo on your website, business cards, and other related material? For more information: <a href="http://notebook.stc.org/new-stc-member-benefit-stc-member-logos">http://notebook.stc.org/new-stc-member-benefit-stc-member-logos</a></p>
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		<title>STC&#8217;s New Normal, How It Affects STC Phoenix</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2009/10/21/stcs-new-normal-how-it-affects-stc-phoenix/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2009/10/21/stcs-new-normal-how-it-affects-stc-phoenix/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:51:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CMAC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Governance & Elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[November/December 2009 Issue]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=23756</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Karen L. Zorn, STC Phoenix President At the June 2009 membership meeting, Tom Barnett, Bylaws,  and Karen Zorn, President, talked about the 2009 STC Summit Leadership Day  financial news, an anticipated $400K shortfall for 2009, $1.2 million for 2010. Many members  at the meeting asked what it meant for them and the Phoenix Chapter. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h3>by Karen L. Zorn, STC Phoenix President</h3>
<p>At the June 2009 membership meeting, Tom Barnett, Bylaws,  and Karen Zorn, President, talked about the 2009 STC Summit Leadership Day  financial news, an anticipated $400K shortfall for 2009, $1.2 million for 2010. Many members  at the meeting asked what it meant for them and the Phoenix Chapter. At that time I didn&#8217;t know;  now I have some, not all, answers. (And these answers are subject to change depending on what happens at STC HQ.) What&#8217;s happened since June:</p>
<ol>
<li> CMAC was required to prepare and submit a short 2009 budget (September through December) and a 2010 budget anticipating income and expenditures <em>without including a member pass through</em> ($25/member) that we&#8217;ve received in previous years. These budgets were submitted to STC International for review. (Remember, although funds are held in Phoenix&#8217;s treasury, the actually do belong to STC International.)</li>
<li>After budget review, we were asked to send$255 from our Treasury to  STC International to help make up the shortfall. Shelly Duncan promptly wrote the check and sent it off. (This effectively zeros out our bank balance at the end of 2010.)</li>
<li>Membership dues increased. I&#8217;ve talked about that in other blog posts and solicit comments from the community. (BTW, I can&#8217;t do anything about it, but I&#8217;ll listen.)</li>
</ol>
<p>The budget we prepared is what is known as a zero-based budget. In other words, you take a look at what you&#8217;d like to offer your members for the upcoming year, figure out the income and expense and make it zero out (balance). As with the SIGs, any funds needed beyond your income estimates will be funded (after thorough review) by STC International. In the past, Phoenix has been a self-supporting chapter. Previous CMACs planned and executed surplus generating activities such as Publication, Art, and Online competitions, workshops, and regional conferences. Expenditures have kept to a reasonable amount and scrutinized for their value to Phoenix members.</p>
<p>What does this mean to you as a Phoenix chapter member? Frankly, most of this will not affect what Phoenix offers its members, other than  that to remain a member of the Phoenix chapter, you need to pay the chapter membership fee of $25 in addition to your general membership dues to STC International. If you are contemplating running for elected office, you <em>must </em>be a member of the chapter. CMAC will be reviewing our program fees to adjust for STC member (not Phoenix) and non-members. In the future (2011) we hope to be able to hold on to any surplus funds generated from chapter activities.</p>
<p>What it does affect are the programs that we offer our membership. There are no workshops/educational events, competitions, or conferences (whew!) planned for the remainder of 2009 and all of 2010. We are still bringing you interesting and valuable programs with well known presenters. These folks aren&#8217;t paid to present, but we do cover their airfare and provide a housing per diem. When we can, we try to coordinate with Southern Arizona to maximize the bang for the buck.</p>
<p><strong>NOTE</strong>: Do be advised that the chapter (SIG) fee <em>will not be sent to the Chapter (SIG)</em>. Chapter fees are destined to be held by International to support future chapter activities.</p>
<p>Comments?</p>
<p>Karen L. Zorn, President STC Phoenix</p>
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		<title>STC Dues Increase</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2009/10/21/stc-dues-increase/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2009/10/21/stc-dues-increase/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:39:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Community Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[November/December 2009 Issue]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=23754</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By now you&#8217;ve probably read the email from Cindy Currie, current STC International President. Yep, the dues went up, and considerably more than they have in the past with less value than the previous base membership. Not good news for many of us, and wonderful fodder for the STC President&#8217;s listserv. Personally, I&#8217;m going to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By now you&#8217;ve probably read the email from Cindy Currie, current STC International President. Yep, the dues went up, and considerably more than they have in the past with less value than the previous base membership. Not good news for many of us, and wonderful fodder for the STC President&#8217;s listserv.</p>
<p>Personally, I&#8217;m going to write a check for STC (215), plus chapter (25), plus one SIG (10) for a grand total of $250 ( about 62.5 lattes or 50 Guiness.) Yes, that&#8217;s a considerable increase over last year, approximately 75%, but for me it&#8217;s worth it. Although I&#8217;ve worked hard for the Phoenix Chapter ever since I moved to the Valley of the Sun, I&#8217;ve reaped more in jobs, friends, and personal satisfaction. It&#8217;s a price I&#8217;m willing to pay.</p>
<p>Now, how does STC new dues structure hold up to other organizations? That question was nicely answered by Bob Dianetti, a member of the Acron, Ohio area chapter. Quoting Bob:</p>
<p>&#8220;The following is a listing, with dues costs, of other professional organizations that are similar to STC which I belong to.  Perhaps this<br />
analysis puts STC&#8217;s dues structures into a little more perspective:<br />
&#8220;ASTD International dues are $180.00.  That doesn&#8217;t include local membership.  I belong to two chapters, one of which costs $45 per year,<br />
and the other $85 per year.  They have various add-ons also such as webinar series, and InfoLine which costs an additional $99.00 per year<br />
which I don&#8217;t subscribe to. So &#8211; for ASTD, I pay $305.00.  I get one magazine, and there are no SIGS available.<br />
&#8220;ASTD does allow you to join a local chapter only without joining the international.  Each local is a separate entity and receives no money or<br />
other support from the international, but international will collect the dues for them and pass it through to them. Last I knew, ASTD had 35,000 international members and 45,000 local only<br />
members.<br />
&#8220;As far as IABC, they had a $9/year increase this year, the international dues are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Tier A countries: from USD$226 to USD$237 (plus chapter and region dues)</li>
<li>Tier B countries: from USD$187 to USD$196 (plus chapter and region dues)</li>
<li>Tier C countries: from USD$162 to USD$170 (plus chapter and region dues)</li>
<li>Tier D countries: from USD$116 to USD$122 (plus chapter and region dues)</li>
<li>Students and Retired Members: from USD$44 to USD$46</li>
</ul>
<p>&#8220;My local membership is $83.00 per year, and I cannot join the local without joining the international.  I can spread out payments over 4<br />
quarters for $20.00 additional per year.  The application fee for IABC is $40.00.<br />
So, I pay $340 per year for international and local membership in IABC. A first-year member would pay $380.00.  No SIGS and one magazine per month.<br />
So, comparing the three, I pay:</p>
<ul>
<li>ASTD $265 (I&#8217;m only counting one chapter)</li>
<li>IABC $380</li>
<li>STC  $245 (two magazines not one)</li>
</ul>
<p>&#8220;STC has less expensive conferences, much more recognition opportunities, and many more SIGS to choose from.  And &#8211; it is the least expensive.</p>
<p>&#8220;Other organizations I belong to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Sales and Marketing Executives:  $350 per year &#8211; 6 newsletters and no magazine</li>
<li>Society for Human Resource Management:  $165 &#8211; one magazine, no chapter</li>
<li>SHRM Cleveland Chapter:  $100.00.  $170 if you aren&#8217;t an international member</li>
<li>Hudson, Ohio Chamber of Commerce: $275 per year &#8211; no magazine</li>
<li>Greater Akron Chamber: $350.00 &#8211; no magazine</li>
<li>Council on Smaller Enterprises (Cleveland) $500.00</li>
<li>American Medical Writers Association &#8211; $145 per year, which includes no local chapter, and the worlds most boring professional journal.</li>
</ul>
<p>&#8220;Hope this sheds some light on the topic.</p>
<p>&#8220;Regards,<br />
&#8220;Bob Dianetti<br />
&#8220;President<br />
&#8220;Radcom, Inc.&#8221;</p>
<p>_____________________</p>
<p>What you decide to do regarding your STC membership is up to you.  Take some time to evaluate the real cost of your membership.</p>
<p>Karen L. Zorn<br />
President, STC Phoenix</p>
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		<title>IDL SIG October 2009 Webinar</title>
		<link>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2009/10/18/idl-sig-october-2009-webinar/</link>
		<comments>http://www.stc-phoenix.com/2009/10/18/idl-sig-october-2009-webinar/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:53:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Announcements]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[September/October 2009 Issue]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.stc-phoenix.com/?p=23732</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Conducting the Job Task Analysis: Stickie Bingo for Better Course Design Join us for a Webinar on October 29, 2009 Have you ever wanted to know an effective way to determine what information to include in your courses?  In this Webinar, you will learn how to identify tasks, steps, processes, objectives, and assessments for a specific [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><strong>Conducting the Job Task Analysis: </strong></h1>
<h1><strong>Stickie Bingo for Better Course Design</strong></h1>
<h2><strong>Join us for a Webinar on October 29, 2009</strong></h2>
<p>Have you ever wanted to know an effective way to determine what information to include in your courses?  In this Webinar, you will learn how to identify tasks, steps, processes, objectives, and assessments for a specific job using a visual method that quickly derives results.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Highly Respected and Expert </strong><strong>Presenter<br />
</strong>Jane MacKenzie-Smith, is a Certified Performance Technologist from the International Society for Performance Improvement who has developed training for classroom, multimedia, and e-learning for most of her life.  As owner of JEM Communications, LLC (<a href="http://www.jemcommunications.com/" target="_blank">www.jemcommunications.com</a>), she provides course design and workshops on instructional design and e-Learning.  She is the Past Manager of the Instructional Design &amp; Learning (IDL) Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), a newly elected STC Fellow, and a popular presenter at STC events.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>Your Investment</strong><br />
$20 IDL SIG member of the STC<br />
$30 STC Member &#8211; Join the IDL SIG to break even on this Webinar, and save money on future Webinars.<br />
$70 Non member - Consider joining the STC today. You can enjoy the valuable benefits of being an STC member, and receive great member pricing for this Webinar and others. <a href="http://www.stc.org/membership/" target="_blank">http://www.stc.org/membership/</a></p>
<p><strong>Sign Up Now!<br />
</strong>Register<strong> </strong>for the time of day that fits your schedule. Please be sure to sign up for the correct time (day or evening) because we <strong>cannot switch</strong> you to the other Webinar time. Also, be sure to select &#8220;Show in My Time Zone&#8221; when registering.<strong> </strong></p>
<ul>
<li> <strong><strong>Day Webinar</strong>:</strong> <a href="https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/227142842" target="_blank">https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/227142842</a><br />
1:30 &#8211; 2:30 PM (Eastern Time); 12:30 &#8211; 1:30 PM (Central Time);<br />
11:30 &#8211; 12:30 PM (Mountain Time); 10:30 &#8211; 11:30 AM (Pacific Time)</li>
<li> <strong>Evening Webinar: </strong><a href="https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/718996682" target="_blank">https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/718996682</a><br />
8:00 &#8211; 9:00 PM (Eastern Time); 7:00 – 8:00 PM (Central Time);<br />
6:00 – 7:00 PM (Mountain Time); 5:00 – 6:00 PM (Pacific Time)</li>
</ul>
<p>After registering, you will be directed automatically to a payment selection page. After paying, you will receive a confirmation e-mail within 2 to 3 days.</p>
<p><strong>Session Materials and More<br />
</strong>Several days before the Webinar you will receive an e-mail with login details and instructions for viewing session materials. After the Webinar, you will receive information for viewing the recorded Webinar.</p>
<p><strong>System Requirements</strong></p>
<p>Audio can be through either your computer (VoIP with a fast Internet connection, microphone, and speakers), or a long-distance telephone connection.  For more system requirements, see FAQs, Attending a Webinar at <a href="https://www2.gotomeeting.com/en_US/island/webinar/support.tmpl" target="_blank">https://www2.gotomeeting.com/en_US/island/webinar/support.tmpl</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Questions about This Webinar? </strong></p>
<ul>
<li> Jane MacKenzie-Smith <a href="mailto:jane@jemcommunications.com" target="_blank">jane@jemcommunications.com</a></li>
<li> Linda Stinger <a href="mailto:LindaStinger@comcast.net" target="_blank">LindaStinger@comcast.net</a></li>
</ul>
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