Sue wrote: "She's right... STC is not about furthering technical writing but is instead about furthering the organization."
I don't think the facts support this statement. (Except that STC is about furthering "technical communication," not technical writing per se.) Look, for example, at the STC's efforts to change the US Labor Bureau's definition of "technical writer" to something that actually resembles what we do today. The current wording describes the technical writers of a bygone era. This change will benefit everyone in our profession, whether they are in STC or not. It will even have international ramifications because technical communicators in other countries can use the new definition from the US to bolster their efforts to elevate the profession in their own countries. Second, take a look at the publications of the STC. Both Intercom and Technical Communication feature articles of interest to the profession as a whole. They are not STC-centric by any means. They focus on our work. Of course, they also advertise STC events, competitions, awards, and elections, but as Society publications they SHOULD do that. Third, the Society has always maintained strong ties with academic departments offering degrees or certificates in technical communication. There is a continual discussion occurring between practitioners, instructors, and students about research, program curricula, career advice, and other topics. Fourth, I don't know of any chapter or community that restricts its presentations or webinars to STC members only. Our programs in Atlanta are designed to attract people from our profession as a whole. Competitions are open to non-members as well. Fifth, every year the STC recognizes someone outside of the organization for his or her contribution to the profession as a whole. The Honorary Fellow award demonstrates the wide range of people who do what we do but may not even call themselves technical communicators or technical writers. This person is invited to give the keynote talk at the STC conference each year. Finally, to the extent that STC does toot its own horn (which of course it does in addition to everything mentioned above), what's wrong with that? Any organization must promote itself to survive. I believe our profession is better off as a result of the existence of the STC. My employers have always been impressed that I am a member and encourage my activity in the organization. Any efforts by the STC to publicize itself can only help the profession. Holly Harkness Manager, Technical Communications Mirant Corporation ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. Interactive 3D Documentation Parts catalogs, animated instructions, and more. www.i3deverywhere.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
