January 2012 Digest

This issue we reveal the program lineup for 2012 plus these items:

• Admission rates and alternatives
• Recap of “Optimizing the Googleability of Your Content”
• STC-Montreal faces dissolution
• Stats Canada West Coast

Programs at a glance

Report on “Optimizing the Googleability of Your Content”

Returning speaker Joe Welinske of WritersUA presented “Optimizing the Googleability of Your Content”. Each year Joe visits chapters to talk about user assistance. That is, if the region isn’t hit by snow. While weather prevented him from physically visiting the chapter, we carried his virtual presence to anyone who preregistered. And for those who did attend in-person, thank you for participating in Joe’s Q&A

February 21, 2012 - Chair yoga for the office

Wow! We’re thrilled to make this program an annual event. Certified yoga instructor Karen Rempel helps us stick to our New Year resolution or at least revitalize our efforts. Absolutely no experience is necessary. This session is appropriate for any fitness level. Wear comfortable clothes. Chairs provided! As always, come early to mingle; stay afterward to refresh. Network from 6:30 to 7:00. Pre-register to ensure a chair. http://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=47&EID=11004

March 20, 2012 - Taxonomy and Metadata with Theresa Putkey

What is taxonomy? Metadata? How can technical writers apply this art? Learn from Information Architect, Theresa Putkey. If the name sounds familiar it’s because Theresa is a chapter past president and head of Key Pointe Usability Consulting, Inc. We warmly welcome her as the March presenter. This session is appropriate for anyone interested in the structure of digital information or keyword search & rescue.

April 17, 2012 - Content Strategy with Rahel Bailie

Launching from taxonomies to devising a content strategy is the focus of the April program. Rahel Anne Bailie, principal of Intentional Design, is a highly sought speaker about all things content––strategy, management, requirements, best practices…you name it. She’s consulted about this field of practice for business impact and as a framework. This session is appropriate for anyone interested in digital publishing.

May 15, 2012 - Save the date

This is the last program of the season. We’ll vote in a new executive team ahead of our regular program. This session is appropriate for you!

Programs, services, miscellany

Information Interviews

Since September when the chapter launched the Information Interview service, we have received 20 requests—10 of them this month! This number exceeded our expectation for the year and we give a huge thanks to Karen Rempel for initiating the service and coordinating aspiring writers with senior writers. The service raises awareness of our chapter, brings new people to program meetings, generates potential memberships, and raises money for the chapter. Read more about the Information Interview Service. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/about_archives/information_interview_service/
Get paired up. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Photos

You’ll see our roving photographer taking candid shots at program events. We use photos to accompany meeting reports to promote chapter activities on the chapter website. That’s it. When you register you’ll see the permission form. If you absolutely don’t want your likeness shown in chapter materials raise your hand. We give you a chance to opt out if that’s your wish.

Member admission

Starting in January 2012, STC members pay $5 with valid ID. The council voted to impose a $5 fee on itself and members. Admission rates for students and not-yet-members remain the same.

However, those wanting to attend but see admission as a barrier have an option. Check out the chapter’s Information Interview Service. For a $10 donation, we pair senior technical writers with people wanting to learn how to break in to the field. You don’t necessarily need to be a student for this offering. After you meet with the senior technical writer, you, the interviewer, receive a coupon good for the next month’s program. Here’s a link:
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/about_archives/information_interview_service/

STC ID

Dog ate your ID? You can always print it from the self-service area on MySTC. Make sure you’re logged in. http://www.stc.org/mystc/

Third Tuesday

Programs are held on the third Tuesday of the month. Arrive 30 minutes early to meet and greet other technical communicators. Dress is casual to business casual. Best to preregister so we can plan seating and refreshments. Got an idea for a Program meeting? Ping us. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

In the mix

Program meetings are a mix of technical (tools and technology) and communication (writing for translation; job-hunting; design). We’re often asked whether a meeting will be broadcast. Yes, we want to engage more members beyond the Lower Mainland. We’ve eked out two remote presentations this program year. We’d do it each month if we had a team to drive it. Hint, hint.

Contractors & Independent Consultants SIG

The special interest group regroups on the first Tuesday of the month. Whether you’re seeking advice or voicing your two cents, there’s no better place to connect. Don’t have business cards? Get advice on where to get them for free. Check the home page for details or join the mailing list. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Having trouble accessing Contractor listings?

When you join the chapter, we ask if you want to be included in the Contractor listings. If you said No but meant Yes just let the membership manager know what you decide. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Coast Lines, member forums and other news

The chapter’s newsletter blog carries photos and articles about programs. Got something to say? Say it in Coast Lines. Contact the web editor. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

What are members thinking?

Check out the Members Forum for an intelligent discussion. The Members Forum is open to chapter members. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/forums/

Canadian salary survey

What’s missing from the STC salary database? You guessed it, Canadian salaries. Canadian community leaders have proposed creating a detailed salary survey. Questions being developed are based on a survey the Alberta chapter conducted five years ago. This questionnaire aims to protect the anonymity of respondents across Canadian communities. See the discussion in the forum.

STC-Montreal faces dissolution

The STC-Montreal administrative council recommends that the chapter be closed. Reason: because there aren’t enough members willing to take on leadership roles.  http://stc-montreal.org/en/2012/01/19/stc-montreal-faces-dissolution/

We take some lessons from this path and I raise the alarm.
STC-Canada West Coast has offered moral support and practical help. We’ve extended an invitation to our Montreal colleagues to consider joining CWC. They’ve got a great-looking website. (We desperately need a website intervention.)

Volunteer opportunities

Keeping a chapter running takes time and volunteer support. Let us know about your professional interest and see where the needs intersect. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

• Treasurer or bookkeeper (interviews in process)
• Coordinator for Information Interview Service
• Survey creator
• Website makeover artist
• Blogger

Job bank

This is a self-service area, open 24/7. Anyone can post. Members can view. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/job_postings/

Not yet an STC member?

Get the scoop on joining. http://www.stc.org/membership/join-or-renew-now.

Social media stats - ending in January

Facebook: 73 likes (FB friend avg age: 33 in 2008; 38 in 2010)

Twitter: 240 tweets, 491 following, 297 followers, 24 listed

LinkedIn: 75 members, 77% in Greater Vancouver.

Soft sell

Approximately 600-700 email subscribers receive the monthly digest. If you want to subscribe go to http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_rss/

If you’re interested in advertising or sponsorship, let us know. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/about_archives/sponsorship_and_advertising/

If you no longer want to receive messages let us know. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

STC vision

Technical communication is recognized as an essential part of every organization’s competitive strategy.

STC mission

STC advances the theory and practice of technical communication across all user abilities and media so that both businesses and customers benefit from safe, appropriate, and effective use of products, information, and services.

About Canada West Coast

We are a geographic community of the Society for Technical Communication, a worldwide association dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practice of technical communication. Our community represents technical communicators throughout British Columbia. Send general inquiries to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Find us fast

http://www.stcwestcoast.ca

http://twitter.com/#!/stccwc

http://www.facebook.com/stccwc

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=122291

http://www.stc.org

Join, get active and engage with your chapter!
Pam Drucker
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An archive can be found here:
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_article/january_2012_digest/