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.
Geoff raises one good point here, which is that taking a stance on this could be considered political lobbying. A lawyer will never give you a full answer, it would cost too much and 'teach you everything he knew', however there may be other reasons behind this.
Many of you are not yet privy to the content of the proposed STC Articles of Association of and joint agreement between the organisation and its non-US-based Chapters, which it wants to become incorporated bodies, mostly to satisfy the IRS.
One of proposed terms of incorporation is that a Chapter have charitable status, and that it not participate in political lobbying. Like Geoff I'm a foreigner (and have lived in Canada), so I'm not familiar with the detail of US law, however I suspect that this will be a test case that has the potential to set precedent and change the (interpretation of, at least) US law. To that extent, having a position could be seen as lobbying, which would affect STC's charitable status. So not expressing an opinion is merely compliance with a law that the STC is subject to either under New York or US Federal law. But like I said, I'm only guessing.
Regards,
Ant
Dan Goldstein wondered: <<Even if they *weren't* in financial
trouble, would STC help establish technical writers' legal rights?
Maybe they just don't want to be that kind of professional
association.>>
Just to clarify: I was in no way advocating that STC should step in
as a lobbyist; in this particular case, it's not clear whether
advocating to promote paid overtime is a good thing (i.e., it defends
the rights of technical writers) or a bad thing (i.e., it gives
companies one more reason to cut costs by offshoring). Companies
could jump either way, and it would be a bad thing for STC to be seen
as promoting a position that leads to more offshoring if they guessed
wrong. That's probably the real reason why STC is staying clear of
this mess.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
