Tools in Technical Communication
March 10th Program Meeting
submitted by Cathy Bettoney, VP Programs
Technical Writers write, yes – but producing information requires a number of other tools that aren’t specifically publishing tools.
We need to create and edit graphics, create wikis, manage knowledge – as well as perform more non-traditional functions, such as creating audio files and icons. We can also be required (or desire) to set up systems for backing up our machines, managing source control of our documents, and bug tracking.
Nikki Bleiel will present her talk. She will discuss and demonstrate a number of low cost or free tools that technical communicators can use to perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Graphic/screen capture creation and editing
- Icon creation and editing
- Building a wiki/knowledge management system
- Create special font characters
- Creating text-to-speech audio files for use in demonstration files
- Automated file backup
- Podcasting
- Source control
- Bug tracking
Nicky Bleiel is a Senior Information Developer at ComponentOne and an At-Large Director of STC. She has fourteen years experience as a technical communicator. Nicky started her career writing books and producing them in hardcopy format, but she has since embraced online help and user assistance, web design, single sourcing, usability, e-learning, and knowledge management. She has presented at many STC meetings and conferences.
Date: March 10, 2009
Location: Mustang Engineering – Please note new location!
Wood Group Building, 17420 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77094
Time: 5:30 p.m. Networking, 6:30 p.m Program
Meeting RSVP: $10 Members, $15 Non-Members, $5 Students/Retired
