STC and Content (WAS:RE: Tugging on Superman's Cape)

[edunn -at- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com]

Margueritte Krupp brings up a point that I've harped on a couple of times as
well (but not in relation to the STC).
"The common thread in STC *is* communication. People from all sorts of technical
specialties belong to it."
While I am not a member of the STC, it would be useless to me if it was to start
concentrating on the content that the 'content-philes' on this list seem to deem
the be all and end all of this profession to be. I dabble in FrameScript and
that is the end of my programming requirements. I have no need for C++, Java,
RoboHelp, or any of the other software development specific questions and
demands on the list. (That's not to say I don't look for parallels with my
industry or that I don't try and keep abreast of software issues.)

Like it or not, the common ground between all the forms of technical writing
includes process and communication skills. It does not include C++, Java,
HTML-Help, Internet technologies (besides web page creation),
telecommunications, networking, computer hardware or software development, or
for that matter 8000hp locomotives. The content is often limited to your niche.

The discussions of content vs process on the list are often heated, but usually
produce more heat than light. No one has ever said that content was not
important, yet still discussions about how to organise content are forbidden or
frowned upon? When it's a discussion on the list we are told that we are writers
obsessing on process and getting no work done and when it's at the STC they are
ignoring or are out of touch with the profession.

I would argue that it is some of the content-philes that are a little out of
touch. To say the STC would be more helpful giving HTML-help or other
application based lectures is limiting the reach/influence of the organisation.
It would be the same as saying that all secondary school teacher's organisations
should concentrate on issues surrounding the teaching of only one subject.
The content or industry specific conferences and organisations belong within
each industry. While the STC has many special interest groups, I don't think
that even these groups should become too specialised. If they do, they will be
duplicating the work being performed by others who are in the industry
concerned. The STC should bridge the various industry groups and committees and
look to promoting the cooperation between these groups. From what I've
understood it is in this respect that the STC seems to be lacking. The STC
should be making efforts to include the various industry and professional
organisation sub-groups within the STC framework.

Perhaps the best example of this cross industry cooperation would be ANSI
(American National Standards Institute). ANSI, while the top body when it comes
to standards, does very little work drafting the standards it endorses. The work
is accomplished by the SAE, ASME, ASTM, ASHRAE, SME and a host of other industry
specific standards organisations. (I believe ISO works in much the same manner.)
This can make membership in ANSI rather dry for some individuals that are more
industry centered. But this in no way demotes the importance of ANSI. It just
means that if you want to be involved strictly with you industry, you join the
industry organisation. But is also means that if two groups are duplicating each
others work, a central group exists to coordinate the two efforts.

Eric L. Dunn



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