You know in Star Trek, when they’re looking into the Captain’s Log? I bet they also had an Error Message log for when things went real bad. You know, like when the Klingons actually won and took over the Enterprise. Ok, so what’s this got to do with tech docs? Well, it’s a roundabout way […]
Configuration Guides: How To Document Parameters
September 2, 2015 By
So, you want to document the parameters for your new Configuration Management Guide. Where do you start? Here’s a checklist of what you need to capture when documenting parameters in technical documentation: Parameter Name Specify the name of the parameter with consideration to case sensitive naming conventions. Likewise, use the correct format and styling when […]
How to find technical writing work using Quora
May 21, 2015 By
Are you using Quora to find technical writing work? Maybe you’ve never heard of Quora. Here’s how it works. Think of it as a deluxe ‘Question and Answer’ site focused on the business community. A lot of influential people are there. It has almost no spam or nasty comments. If you want to develop your […]
Technical Documents: 3 Ways to Improve Quality
June 16, 2012 By
Who do you write for? This is a problem for many technical writers, especially if you don’t get to meet or interact with your readers. Essentially, you’re writing in the dark. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t improve the usefulness of the documents. Far from it. Technical Documents: How to be more accurate For example, […]
How Social Media Will Make You A Better Technical Writer
February 22, 2010 By
Gina Blednyh launched the Technical Communication 2.0 group in Facebook in 2009. It explores the interplay between Web 2.0 and technical communication. It’s a terrific place to exchange ideas about collaborative technologies and new approaches to delivering information. In this interview, I ask her how Technical Writers can use Social Media and the types of […]
Are Daily Rates for Technical Writers Starting To Improve?
January 29, 2010 By
In December, I looked at the daily rates for technical writers and others in the tech comms industry. At the time daily rates for technical writers are down to $30 per hour in some places in the Bay Area. However, maybe things are starting to turn around. In Ireland (Euro HQ for most US IT companies) Google has announced 150 new jobs, many in technical roles. So, is the tide starting to turn?
How Much Time Do Technical Writers Spend Writing?
January 11, 2010 By
How much time do you spend writing every week? Remember, you have 37.5 hours (I know!) for technical writing every week, but how much is actually spent writing? When I say writing I actually mean developing content, so this includes illustrations, diagrams, publishing etc – whatever goes into the final deliverable.
Can Outsourcing Help Your Technical Writing Career?
November 16, 2009 By
Image by Ivan Walsh via Flickr Most technical writers see outsourcing as a real threat. But, if you look at it from another angle, it’s one huge business opportunity.
Is a Degree In Technical Writing Worth The Effort?
November 5, 2009 By
Do you have a degree in technical writing or technical communications? Was it worth the money? If you had a second chance, would you have chosen this or opted for another career path? One of my younger cousins has started her degree in university in Limerick, Ireland. Not the place most of us think of […]
Is the STC Value For Money?
October 21, 2009 By
Sarah O’Keefe (Scriptorium) discusses STC’s new dues structure: Dues are going up; Printed publications are no longer included in basic dues; No chapter or SIG membership are included in the basic dues. She adds that while reaction is largely negative, she finds value from her STC membership and gives some examples and reasons to join/stay […]
