TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
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costs of those publications).
In this posting, look for the following ...
* ANNOUNCE: Free Release of Leading Screen Cap Software! SnagIt 7.1
Available! (NEW)
* ANNOUNCE: Breakthrough Global Technology Business Network Launched
* TRAINING: Learn how to Document APIs and SDKs with a Workshop on a DVD
* ANNOUNCE: Basics of XML, DITA Intro, and more -- 3 days for $140
* ANNOUNCE: SnagIt Wins PC Magazine Editors' Choice Award
* ANNOUNCE: Registration for LavaCon 2004 now open
* NEW ARTICLE: Avoiding Repetitive-Stress Injuries
and at the end you'll find the concluding administrivia with
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ANNOUNCE: Free Release of Leading Screen Cap Software! SnagIt 7.1
Available!
Dan the technical writer moved too close to the car in front of him,
fighting road rage. He squealed to a stop in the parking lot, raced
into the office, and pushed past two coworkers talking the hallway.
"Dan - what's the big hurry?" one called after him.
He didn't pause, but instead turned his head to yell, "New version of
SnagIt is out today - need to know what's new!"
He threw himself down in front of the computer, yanked off his jacket
and panted as he brought up the TechSmith site. He said aloud, much
like a cheer, "New outputs - Program and Instant Messenger!"
"Profiles Import/Export!" he yelled louder.
"Improved Web Capture!" he shouted.
"Better Automatic File Naming!" he hollered.
Dan thought of the hours ahead of him. He was going to play with his
new version of SnagIt all day long. And the best part was - this was
his JOB. He was going to document to his heart's content and get PAID
for it. It seemed amazing to him.
He felt calm for a moment as he clicked to upgrade . . . but suddenly,
a newfound sense of excitement overtook him. Now, he could hardly
wait for the NEXT SnagIt release!
TRAINING: Learn how to Document APIs and SDKs with a Workshop on a DVD
Documenting APIs isn't easy but learning how is a great way to enhance
your tech writing skills. Our new "Workshop-on-a-DVD", featuring well
known tech writing guru Manuel Gordon, can get you started now.
You will learn:
- What are SDKs? Why sell them? Why buy them?
- How to structure the documentation set for an SDK
- What programmers really want: A real-world case study
- How to outline a Developer's Guide
- How to automatically generate a Reference Manual using DGP tools
- Strategies for going forward and resources for learning more
Here is what one satisfied customer had to say:
"Your DVD course, Documenting APIs and SDKs, breaks a difficult
subject down into manageable chunks. Manny's presentation is easy to
absorb. The information on the Developer's Guide, particularly the
outline, gave me a solid starting point from which to build the
document. This course pays for itself with dividends."
For more information, visit www.thirdwavestudios.com/gg/videos.html
Tri-XML is the XML interest group for the Research Triangle area,
North Carolina USA. We focus on educating members in XML-related
technologies and potential uses. While XML itself may be fairly easy
to create, its application may be much more difficult. Our meetings
are designed to provide attendees with a free, technical education on
a variety of topics.
Our annual conference is scheduled for July 22-24, with a "Tools of
the Trade Show" (a vendor showcase) scheduled for July 22 followed by
two full days of peer presentations. Vendors will exhibit July 22-23.
Many of our speakers are returning for a second year, sharing their
world-class knowledge at this local event.
This conference is being held at the Sheraton Imperial in Research
Triangle Park. This is our second year in this facility, which hosted
our 130+ attendees last year.
***NOTE: Sign up before the next early registration discount expires!**
ANNOUNCE: SnagIt Wins PC Magazine Editors' Choice Award
Dan the technical writer stopped in the dairy aisle for his favorite
flavor of yogurt. Unfortunately, they were out of Mixed Berry, so he
settled for Peach.
He moved on to the produce section to get some Granny Smith apples.
They were all out of those, so he got some Red Delicious.
As he was checking out, the cashier asked happily, "Did you find
everything today?"
Dan decided to be straight with her. "No, I didn't. You were out of
two things I wanted," he said. "I'm not blaming you - I know it's out
of your control. However, I'd like to tell you a little about my job.
I'm a technical writer. My tool of choice is SnagIt - the leading
screen capture software."
"In fact," he said, as the line grew behind him, "SnagIt just won the
PC Magazine Editors' Choice award for screen capture utilities for the
SECOND year in a row. Isn't that great?"
"Um . . . " the cashier said, clearly unsure of the correct response.
"My point is," Dan said, "that SnagIt wins awards because it does what
it says it's going to do - you can take any image, any text, any
action - off your screen and send it where you need it to go. It's
reliable. It's there for me. I don't have to wonder if the Text
Capture flavor is going to be on that shelf. Or if the Editor gets
trucked in that day."
He gathered up his groceries, and turned to the people in line. "You
have a choice where to shop. Everyone - try out the PC Magazine
Editors' Choice award-winning SnagIt!"
On his way out, he stopped by the magazine rack. He couldn't help but
smile . . . just like he guessed, they were already all sold out of PC
Magazine.
Repetitive stress injuries often afflict technical communicators.
Geoff Hart presents a thorough discussion of the problems, as well as
possible solutions ranging from behaviorial modifications to
environmental changes. This article is a must-read for any technical
communicator--or anyone else who spends a great deal of time at the
computer keyboard.
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