Non-leadership folk.... I guess I count. I've been a normal, non-leadership member of STC for almost three years, and the STC has been somewhat fundamental in my formation as a technical writer. I won't go as far as to say the STC was the most influential, but it did have a positive influence. As for the publications, most of the articles in Intercom and Technical Communication don't apply to me, but I always find something that is useful and my most recent project was heavily influenced by the information there.
I gladly pay my dues each year (my employer normally does) for a few reasons: 1--Every employer so far has remarked positively on my association with the STC. I don't think that membership means I'm automatically a good writer, but I do think it shows a proactive effort on my part to be involved in the field and my own progression. As someone who has hired several writers, I find that to be an attractive quality. Certainly not the most important quality, but definitely attractive. 2--If my employer is paying for it, what could possibly be bad about having a membership in the STC? 3--The STC has many resources that I have used to better myself and develop new ideas and methods. Most recently, I've found the wealth of information on outsourcing to be invaluable. To state unequivocally that you find no value in the publications says, in my opinion, that you either don't read them or that you are perfect in your field. Since I find the last statement a logical impossibility, my guess is that you don't read them. I agree that most articles have little relevance to me, but to state that all have no relevance would be a gross generalization. Final thoughts--You get from it what you put into it. I always find it interesting to see people complain about something and not offer an alternative. What's the use of complaining or nay-saying if you have nothing better to offer? Whether late or not, right or wrong, the fact is that the STC is trying to improve our field today. That's enough for me. Dave Loveless normal everyday non-leadership STC member On 11/12/07, Bill Swallow <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Again, we ARE entitled to our own opinions. I would prefer to see > someone > > respond who's not in an active leadership role. > > Of course you're entitled to your opinions. I have issue with those > who say you do not. As for non-leadership folks, I'd like to hear from > them too. > > -- > Bill Swallow > HATT List Owner > WWP-Users List Owner > Senior Member STC, TechValley Chapter > STC Single-Sourcing SIG Manager > http://techcommdood.blogspot.com > > ______________________________________________ > > 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 > ______________________________________________ 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
