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> > Unlike industry-sponsored conferences, the STC annual conference is a
> > volunteer effort. We issue a Call for Proposals and build the program from
> > the responses we receive. We do not compensate our speakers, other than
> > offering a speaker's rate for the conference registration. We welcome
> > presentations on technical topics. We know that our members are looking for
> > these, and we would readily embrace a more technical focus to our
> > conference. Please consider coming to the conference and helping us develop
> > it to be the sort of conference you'd get something out of by sharing what
> > YOU have learned with others.
Judy shows courage in making a response to the comments on this list,
so, before saying anything else, I'd like to acknowledge that fact.
However, that said, I regret that her comments serve mainly to
re-emphasize the validity of the criticisms. The idea that a Call for
Papers which circulates chiefly in the STC is sufficient only
re-emphasizes the STC's misguided tendency to view itself as the sole
body for tech-writers. Yet many experienced technical writers are not
members, and even more are not active members. Having put on academic
conferences in my time, I might also mention that a successful
conference often involves soliciting specific people for the ingredients
for a good mix; relying on submissions is never enough.
Similarly, the expectation that professionals should give their
professional services for free is absurd and insulting. But that was
discussed to death a few months ago, so I won't expand on this
statement, except to wonder if this expectation is one reason for the
level of proposals.
Finally, while I thank Judy for her invitation, I will not participate
in the STC, nor help it in any way whatsoever - and certainly not for
free. No big deal (to paraphrase William Goldman); just a personal
lifelong vow. If a Techwr-l conference, official or unofficial gets
underway, I might volunteer for a small role in that. However, if so,
that will be because I choose to give my services for free - and not
because I'm expected to.
--
Bruce Byfield 604.421.7177 bbyfield -at- progeny -dot- com
"And Tyler smiles, Tyler smiles,
At an angry crowd stretching miles and miles,
Six hundred years, and the lesson wasn't learned."
- Attila the Stockbroker, "Tyler Smiles (22nd November, 1990)"
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