Intercom: May 2008

Intercom, the magazine of the Society for Technical Communication, is published to provide examples and applications of technical communication that will promote its readers' professional development.

The May 2008 issue focuses on intercultural technical communication.

Feature Articles

Language Quality-Assurance Software [ FREE! ]: Kohl explores the benefits of using Language QA Software to optimize documentation for organizations and companies.
The Culture of China's Internet: With China fast overtaking the United States as the world's largest online market, Rogers provides helpful information on how technical communicators can tailor their Web sites to appeal to Chinese visitors.
Prepare Your Site for the Global Market: Are you looking for ways to maximize your company's global Web presence? Look no further, as the authors have laid out a step-by-step plan for creating and designing a multilingual site.
Schemas in Intercultural Communication: Raju demonstrates the importance of understanding cultural schemas—models providing patterns for understanding ideas or objects in a cultural context—when dealing with international technical communication.
Moving from Information Mapping to DITA: Is your company making the move from Information Mapping to DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture)? The author compares and contrasts the two methods and shares insight on how to ease the pain of switching from one to the other.
Online Teaching Opportunities for Technical Communicators: Supplement your income and provide students with real-world knowledge and experience. Learn what kinds of online teaching opportunities are out there for technical communicators.

Departments

Notes on the Profession
Round Two for Technical Communicators: Executive Director of STC discusses the battle to get the term technical communicator recognized as an emerging profession.
Viewpoint
When Tech Writers Don't Read Directions: Find out what the Unspoken Rule of technical writers is and how to avoid violating it.
Cut & Paste
Traveling Grammarians: Have you ever noticed typos in signage that made you want to pull out your sharpie and fix the mistake? Meet two young men who have traveled the nation doing just that.
My Job
Wearing the Orange Apron: Heinlein muses on the pleasures of writing standard operating procedures and the “handier” side of working for Home Depot.
F.Y.I.
F.Y.I.: Check here for upcoming events of interest to technical communicators.

Society Pages

Nominating Committee Seeks Candidates for Society-level Positions in 2009: If you've ever been interested in holding a Society-level position or know someone who would make a great candidate, here is a list of open positions and qualifications, along with the form needed to get the ball rolling.
Adobe Sessions to Focus on Products, Best Practices [ FREE! ]: View a list of sessions that will be presented by Adobe at the 2008 Technical Communication Summit in Philadelphia, June 1–4.
Advance Conference Registration Deadline: May 23 [ FREE! ]: Don't miss the chance to register at a discounted rate for the 2008 Technical Communication Summit.
Richard Saul Wurman Selected as Closing Keynote Speaker [ FREE! ]: Author and former architect Richard Saul Wurman will deliver the keynote address to close the 2008 Technical Communication Summit in Philadelphia.
STC Announces Fellows for 2008: Find out who has been honored with the highest rank that the Society for Technical Communication can bestow on members.
Distinguished Chapter Service Awards: View a list of members who have shown hard work and dedication to their chapters.
Distinguished SIG Service Awards: Check out who has provided exemplary service to their special interest group this year.
Jay R. Gould Award Winner: Find out about the winners of this year's award for excellence in teaching technical communication.
New Sigma Tau Chi Members Named: STC's Board of Directors has elected six new members to the honorary society.
Catch Up on News & Notes: Learn how to access archived issues of News & Notes online.
Distinguished Service Award for Students: See who demonstrated excellent dedication to their student chapter.
Ken Rainey Award Winner Chosen: Find out who was recognized and awarded for outstanding contribution to the field of technical communication research this year.

Columns

Computer-Mediated Communication
Using Linux at Work and Home: For those who dream about gaining high-speed, efficient, and bug-free performance from their PCs, Archee discusses the option of Linux, the world's most developed computer operating system—and it's free.
Business Matters
Branding Your Company [ FREE! ]: Branding dates back to ancient times and can be an aspect of every field. Not only does branding provide clients with a sense of professionalism and reliability, it can also help define your company.
Information Design
Much Ado about Nothing, Part 2: Deconstructing a Page: In a continuation of his January column, Hart sheds some light on page layout and design—and gives color to a seemingly “black-and-white” concept.
Quest for Quality
Communication in Customer Service: Wiley expounds on the ins and outs of customer service, specifically with regard to effective communication practices.