Join us in welcoming Malaspina University-College as a returning TECHWR-L Silver-level Sponsor. Find Malaspina University-College at http://www.pr.mala.ca/techcomm.htm.

Malaspina University-College, with its main campus in beautiful Nanaimo, British Columbia runs a two-year part-time certificate program in Technical Communication conducted completely online.

This online program is geared toward working professionals looking to transition into technical writing. It also offers opportunities for individuals to take individual online courses as professional development. Learn how to use specific software commonly-used by technical communicators, such as: Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe InDesign, Adobe RoboHelp, Adobe Photoshop, or delve into Software User Assistance, Help Authoring Tools, or XML/HTML Basics.

Writing courses in the program include: Writing Manuals, Copywriting Essentials, and Writing Reports and Proposals.

“…I’m just finishing the Technical Communication program and it has been a wonderful experience. The instructors are “out there” in the real world working as technical communicators. It is plain to see that they have worked hard on the lecture materials to make the topics easy to digest but still current. And the caring attitude that they bring to the discussion forums makes it easy for even the shyest people to ask questions or state opinions.” Technical Communication Certificate Program Graduate Dr. Robert R.W. Hodgins

Welcome – and thanks to – Malaspina University-college as a returning TECHWR-L Silver Sponsor!

I'm investigating the possibility of context sensitive help for a future project. Since CSH would affect the way we make software around here, I'm charged with finding all I can about it -- what are the technologies, what are the various ways of implementing, what's the diff between the phrases "dynamic help" and "CSH" -- and reporting back to

I am writing an article on uber controllers and bullies in the workplace, and would like suggestions for where I might go online, to invite people to interview with me regarding their experiences with such.

by Warren Singer

In Part One of this article, we defined stress as occurring when we perceive outside demands as being greater than our resources to cope. We noted that an informal poll conducted on the TECHWR-L site and ratings in the Jobs Rated Almanac indicated that technical writers in general experience a moderate to medium level of stress in their work environment.

In Part One we also looked at the stressors that technical writers report encountering in their work environment. Based on an informal survey conducted in August 2001, I identified some of the major stressors cited by technical writers:

• Work overload and time pressures
• Last-minute changes
• Difficulty with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
• Problems with managers
• Ongoing learning challenges and limited access to a product
• Poorly defined and managed projects
• Computer and tool problems
• Workspace environment
• Job security
• Lack of control over the work environment

Part Two offers some practical suggestions for increasing your ability to cope with each of these categories of stressors. Rather than attempting to cover solutions in depth, this article provides a range of ideas to explore in addressing the stressors discussed in Part One. The "See Also" section at the end of each topic provides links to additional resources related to the topic, which help clarify or expand on the strategies briefly described under each topic.

I have a new customer who wants me to write developer's manual. The customer has a database based system. They have 3 programmers working on it and are afraid they will leave the company and they won't have anyone left who knows how to update the system. So they want the Database schema mapped out, the fields and tables listed and as many types of useful code listed, e.g. if you want to create a new field on form B20, you must use this code.....or, if you want to create a button called 'Recommend', you must use this Javascript code.

One of the most useful documents I've found when comparing help authoring tools is one by Matthew Ellison of Ellison Consulting, Ltd.: Comparison of HAT Paradigms and Workflows at http://www.writersua.com/ohc/suppmatl/suppmatl07/ellison_tools.pdf

Why was it helpful?
It examines:

What have I learned or gained most from TECHWR-L (and other tech writer email lists)?

1) connection and communication with a community of skilled, caring people

2) continual learning about the field of technical communication and its tools from those who use them and do the job

With the 15th Anniversary of TECHWR-L rapidly closing in on us, it seems like a great time to look back and see where we've been. It'd be great to see TECHWR-L postings or blog entries about the most valuable lessons you've learned from TECHWR-L over the years. Any takers?

Assuming you're logged into the site, post your stories directly at
http://www.techwr-l.com/createcontent