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Intercom: February 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.

No theme this issue.

Feature Articles

Building Quality into Online Training: Learn about quality assurance (QA) and how it can be applied to online training by creating a QA plan, focusing on sound instructional design, applying specific criteria to measure quality, and reducing quality costs and eliminating barriers.
Keep Your Course on Target [ FREE! ]: Instructors can identify learners' demographics and expectations before a class begins by distributing a Learner Information Form. Carliner explains what a Learner Information Form is, provides an annotated example of one, and suggests procedures for administering it.
Localizing Sans Clichés: All too often, we instinctively turn to old methods of researching group culture, rhetoric, and preferences so that we can appeal to people on their own terms. Our intentions are good, but our outcomes may not be. Special care must be taken not to approach the process of localization in a way that results in a cultural parody.
Implementing Structured FrameMaker: While structured authoring encourages content reuse, improves consistency, and represents the future of the profession, making the transition from unstructured authoring can be intimidating. Kadilak addresses why you should consider the move to structured authoring and when you should consider doing so; she also suggests a practical implementation plan.
Meetings 101: When real-time discussion, interaction, and consensus are necessary, only a meeting will do. Discover how to make the meetings you attend and arrange as effective as possible.

Departments

Community Spotlight
Pittsburgh Chapter STC Offers Unique Support Group for Job Seekers: Learn about WorkQuest, the Pittsburgh chapter's landmark job support group, as well as more about the chapter's recent projects.
Cut & Paste
Cut & Paste: Read letters to the editor, plus learn about recording developers' demos to DVD to use as a reference and what the words grammar and glamour have in common.
F.Y.I.
F.Y.I.: Check this listing for upcoming events of interest to technical communicators.
My Job
Mass Transit: A Career on the Move [ FREE! ]: Whether he's writing manuals or other instructional materials or learning how to drive a streetcar, George Free has discovered the behind-the-scenes world of mass transit in addition to a new training world.

Society Pages

Philadelphia Dining and Nightlife Offer Something for Everyone [ FREE! ]: Philadelphia is a modern city with a dynamic dining and nightlife scene. Learn why there's something for everyone in the city that will be home to the 2008 Technical Communication Summit.
U.S. Members: Deduct Your Dues: STC dues are tax deductible for members who pay taxes in the United States. Consult this article for more about how to claim your dues as a deduction.
Membership Categories for 2008: Read more about the membership packages offered this year, including the new all-SIG membership option.
Recommend Candidates for 2009 Honorary Fellow: Do you know of a candidate who meets the criteria for STC Honorary Fellow? Check here for details on how to make your recommendation.
STC Election: Review updates to this year's election process and learn how to ask questions of the candidates via the STC Web site.
Preliminary Program on Conference Web Site [ FREE! ]: The Preliminary Program for the Technical Communication Summit, which includes general information about technical sessions, networking opportunities, lodging and transportation, and more, has been posted to the STC Web site. The Preliminary Program appears online this year and will not be mailed.
Conference Lodging [ FREE! ]: Be sure to make hotel reservations through STC's official conference hotel, the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. Doing so will help ensure that you have the best conference experience possible, as well as facilitate networking with your peers.
Early Bird Rates Expire March 17 [ FREE! ]: Register by March 17 to take advantage of the early bird rates for the Technical Communication Summit.

Columns

Business Matters
You Know You're an Independent When. . . [ FREE! ]: Independents should work to develop their technical "hard" skills but also be sure to focus on "soft skills," including willingness to plan, asking for direction, and reading the market and reacting appropriately.
Ethics Case
Responses to "An Interest-ing Dilemma": Readers respond to the Ethics Case published in the November 2007 Intercom.
Beyond the Bleeding Edge
Accounting 101: To the Bleeding Edge by the Numbers: Many people think of accounting as being arcane, nitpicky, and dry, and it often lives up to that reputation. However, understanding a few basic concepts may be enough to ultimately increase your doc group's business credibility.