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 En-list the help of other technical communicators |
November/December 1998 |
by Tim Scapillato
Tim is on contract at Technology Directorate,
Public Works and Government Services Canada.
He is developing on-line help systems using ROBOHELP.
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Are you trying to find out whether to use one space or two after a period? Wondering about the difference between an em dash and an en dash? Looking for an on-line style guide, thesaurus, or dictionary? Want to know what other technical communicators are reading? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you'll probably find it useful to visit The Official TECHWR-L, a web site for, by, and about technical communicators.
The highlight of this web site is the TECHWR-L listserv, an unmoderated discussion forum for technical communication topics. Simply register your favourite nickname--it's free--and you can instantly begin chatting with people from around the world who do what you do for a living: make information easily accessible for those who use it. The listserv currently has over 3600 subscribers so in terms of critical mass alone, there is an extensive body of knowledge on all aspects of technical communication.
This site contains something for everyone: technical writers, editors, indexers, teachers, students, and anyone else interested in technical communication topics. You can find a listing of technical communication-related books that have been recommended by other technical communicators. There is a direct link to the Amazon.com site for those who want to make an online purchase. Also included in the site is a useful list of links to technical communication resources on the Internet. |
If you are looking for a job, or happen to be looking for someone to work for you, go to the Contractors section of the site. Here you can either search, or add your name to, the online database of technical communicators. This is an effective--and free--way to reach a large audience of potential employers.
The listserv archives is a gold mine of information on any area of technical communication. Here is a sample of some discussions that have taken place over the last several months (some of these are still ongoing):
For the record, you really can go the listserv archive and see an on-line discussion on whether to use one or two spaces after a period. As it turns out, the answer seems to be: it depends. Visit the site and read the convincing arguments on both sides of the issue. |
