Archive for January 2010
Glossary of HDTV Terms
If you’re a technical communication professional writing about HDTV (High Definition TV) you should know the meaning of the following industry terms: Aspect Ratio The ratio of a TV screen’s width to it’s height. An HDTV screen is much wider than a traditional cathode-ray tube (CRT) screen. A typical HDTV aspect ratio is 16:9. That…
Read MoreTime Management and Productivity Tips for Technical Communicators
© 2010 Ugur Akinci Here are my own time-management and productivity suggestions for technical communicators: If you’re working as an independent technical writer from your own office, check your e-mail only 3 times a day — first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon (3 pm), and in the evening (9 pm). But I realize that for…
Read More"Sorry, I probably won’t read your cover letter"
(The insider feedback by a straight-shooter recruiter. Excerpts…) Like many recruiters, I rarely read cover letters. Most of us zoom right into the resume for a quick scan of the candidate and avoid the cover letter whenever possible. Why should we read two different documents that are basically trying to say the same thing? When…
Read MoreA Meditation on Time Management for Technical Writers
(Excerpt) Time management means being able to say “no”. Whenever someone comes running to you saying “I need your help,” it’s automatically an emergency. You’re a team player, so you may say “Sure, I can help you with that” without thinking. Stop. Think. Less obvious but more common is the failure to prioritize tasks. How…
Read MoreAPI Writing – as “Technical” as Technical Communication Gets
Some technical communication fields have low entry thresholds (like press release and resume writing, for example). Others have far tougher entry conditions and they also pay accordingly. API (Application Product Interface) writing is one such highly technical documentation field. API writing is for software engineers who would like to switch to documentation, or technical writers…
Read More10 Things NOT to Say to a Technical Writer
It’s okay—the programmers are writing the user documentation. I’ve scribbled down the specs on these bits of paper, discarded napkins and the back of my hand. Just put it together in a nice document by Friday. If you have any questions, none of the development team will be around so you’ll have to talk to…
Read MoreCareer Options and New Directions in Technical Communication
© 2010 Ugur Akinci Technical communication is a lot more than just “technical writing.” Every year new directions and career options emerge that keep our field fresh and exciting. Here are some of them to consider to redefine and redirect your career: Distance Education – Specialize in distance education by learning how to put together…
Read MoreEssay Writing for ESL/EFL Students
This informative video was done with ESL/EFL students in mind but I bet even the native speakers can benefit from the structured tutoring that it provides…
Read MoreGoogle Docs Presentation Application
© 2010 Ugur Akinci You can use this FREE application to create online presentations that you can reach from anywhere… as long as you have access to the Internet. I actually prepared the following presentation by using Google Docs Presentation:
Read MoreTechnical Writing for a Help Desk
An informative video by a professional Documentation Specialist. A lot of practical pointers here provided by someone who actually practices what she preaches. Have pen and paper ready and take notes.
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