Tag: Linda Oestreich

Oct 21

Lessons from Linda: STC and Me—How I Got Here

I recently saw a post on LinkedIn from someone who wondered about the value of being an STC member. I know that most people who read this post are already STC members, but sometimes even members need reminders on why we’re here. This month and next, I have decided to share my personal STC story. I hope that my own relative success in this delightful profession will interest you and help you stick it out if you’re thinking of moving on.

Aug 20

Lessons from Linda: Language is Fun

Years ago, I had the fortune to meet someone I believe to be a 20th Century Renaissance Man (if there could be such a mixture): Stephen Jay Gould. In 2000, Dr. Gould received an STC Honorary Fellowship. (I led the committee who championed him to the STC Board of Directors.) A gentleman of grace and charm, he joined our conference in Orlando at Disney World where I had the honor of meeting him, dining with him, and introducing him to our members. It was one of the great experiences of my life. To this day, I treasure those few hours as ones that helped me recognize the beauty and benefits of good technical communication.

Jul 23

Linda’s Lessons: When is Good Enough Good Enough?

We often hear that something is “good enough.” I used to consider that phrase derogatory. In fact, working as often as I have within the government, I have always hated the phrase, “good enough for government work.” As a proud professional, I like to think that my work is error-free. I know most writing and editing rules and I try to follow them, yet sometimes, mistakes happen! As a new technical communicator, I had little flex about what was right and what was wrong. Back then, I had the luxury of working in a job where my talents were appreciated and the company didn’t focus on next quarter’s share prices. Combine that environment with my brand-new, college-degreed book-learning, and my only choice was to strive for perfection.

Jul 02

Linda’s Lessons: An Introduction

Welcome! You’ve found Linda’s Lessons, a new guest blog on STC’s Notebook. With a little nudging from Kevin Cuddihy in the STC office, I am beginning a new adventure that you can share. Linda’s Lessons will be a little of this and a little of that—remembrances, observations, new knowledge, guest bloggers, answers to your questions, tips for newbies, reinforcements for the experienced, and a general potpourri of things I hope you’ll find valuable, thought-provoking, and fun!