More on STC and international techwhirling

[Stuart Burnfield <slb -at- FS -dot- COM -dot- AU>]

This is from a private reply to my post on STC membership. I'm forwarding
it to the list (with permission) as I think it will interest non-U.S.
techwhirlers and those interested in international technical communication.

> I know all about the feeling of isolation - I am based in Malaysia. On the
> other hand having access to Internet makes the world a truely small place
> and I use email extensivly to keep "involved".

> While there are several chapters outside N. America there really aren't any
> near you. There is a New Zealand chapter; there is also a Singapore chapter
> if you have an interest in Asia. By mileage they are probably about the same
> but it really depends on where your interest are.

> Maybe we should start an "International" chapter that meets by email, WWW etc.

> One of the great values of STC membership to me is the opportunity to be
> involved in the Profesional Interest Committees (PIC). Indeed the
> International Technical Communication PIC is, at present, my "local
> chapter". I am the regional coordinator for Asia.
(snip...)
> You ask "who do I work for?" - well I am an independent consultant and I
> pick up contracts from around the world. This has been made possible by
> using the technology that is available (email, fax, ftp, etc...) The really
> interesting part is that some of my clients in North America have been
> pussing the idea of telecommuting - mine is the ultimate telecommute. I do
> however have to travel once in a while for some of that personal contact.

> I would really like to get more contracts closer to home, or at least in a
> similar time zone. That 12 hours jet lag to the N. American east coast is a
> real killer.

> Ian Macdonald                Voice: (03) 452 7553
> 24C Jalan Ampang Hilir       Fax:   (03) 453 2910
> 55000, Kuala Lumpur          email: imacd -at- pc -dot- jaring -dot- my
> Malaysia