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Subject:Re: Re: STC Transformation -- info From:eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 13 Jul 2004 14:41:35 -0400
bounce-techwr-l-106467 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com wrote on 07/13/2004 01:55:21 PM:
> Ah, there's the conundrum. Focus on the common denominator--
> the writing, editing, information structuring, process
> management--and everyone dismisses the effort as not
> technical enough. Focus on the technical--software languages,
> communication protocols--and everyone says you're too
> exclusive and not meeting the needs of the writers in other
> industries.
> Da*ned if you do...
> -Sue Gallagher
Depends entirely on the approach. If 'technical' topics were presented
that were not applicable to a wide range of industries the STC would be
alienating participants from other industries. But, if technical topics
were instead presented to illustrate cross-specialty application it would
be useful regardless of the technology used for the demonstration (not
sure that would be easy).
Perhaps an STC conference could be a collection of presentations that are
provided by the various specialised fields. Perhaps a common theme could
be determined for various activities in the past year and have each
industry organisation present their yearly review concentrating on the
central theme. Then it would be a sort of annual 'heads-up' so that
participants could be aware of developing treads and mature practices in
other industries so that they may investigate adopting them for their own
areas of expertise.
For example, XML presentations should be given by representatives from
www.xmlconference.org or www.trixml.org. SIGs covering similar ground to
specific industries or groups should be abolished and replaced with
cooperation between those industries or groups and the STC. Instead of
forming new SIGs, the STC should seek out concerned industries or groups
and lobby them to join with the STC and support communication focused
groups within their industries or groups.
The STC could even get round to certifying technical communicators in a
similar way. Just as ANSI approves/certifies groups to develop standards,
the STC could certify/approve/recognise groups to set qualification
requirements.
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