Re: Using Auto Screen Shot Tools ~ Are They Helpful?

[carolyn223 palo <carolynpalo -at- gmail -dot- com>]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to this discussion group.  I am in the process of getting new
skills to get into the technical writing field.
I live in Mass.  I am a creative writer/playwright, but find a writing job
in the technical field is how I would like to
earn a living.  I am currently applying to a non-credit program for 2
classes, one in the fall and one in the spring.
Any thoughts as to how I can begin learning or job search prior to the
certification program is over?  I have a B.A. in English and an M.S. in
Communications - but lack the strong tech skills used in today's tech
writing field.

I have signed up for MadCap flare tutorials but haven't yet tried it.

Thanks!

Carolyn

On Fri, Apr 10, 2015 at 7:04 PM, Jill Gallagher <jill -dot- gallagher -at- outlook -dot- com>
wrote:

> Today a project manager (and an IT guy) approached me, all excited about a
> Microsoft auto screen shot tool she just learned about that will really be
> beneficial to me and revolutionize my job as a technical writer (who knew?)
> She wanted me to drop what I was doing and look into it with them
> immediately at my desk. I did rebuff them, as I was deep in an editing
> project and I was annoyed, I admit. I'll look into it next week, I told
> them.
> I've never used an automated screen shot tool (static screens, not video)
> and I don't see the value of "whipping" through an unfamiliar software
> process in order to quickly create a bevy of numerically named screen shots
> in a folder. I would still need to revisit each one, rename it, edit it
> (cropping, etc. as needed), plunk it into my document, and write a draft of
> the steps associated with it.
> My current process is to navigate through the software, digesting the
> material as the "user," while stopping to create each screen shot using
> Snippit (that's what we have here). This method allows me to name and save
> the screen shot and insert it into my document on the fly. I find it
> especially helpful if I'm learning the software as I go, which is usually
> the case for technical writers. That's part of our job. In addition, part
> of my job is to evaluate the user interface and find bugs. My turtle
> process suits me better than that of the hare. It's more thoughtful and
> thorough it seems.
> Also, can auto screen shot tools capture dropdown menus?
> Regards,
> Jill GallagherTechnical Writer/Editor/Manual Screen Shot Creator
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-- 
Carolyn Palo

Partnership Management - Marketing Communications - Writer
Phone:  617-491-0551
Email:   carolynpalo -at- gmail -dot- com
Professional Profile:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynpalo
Blog: http://carrie223.wordpress.com
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