Archive for March 2010
How to Use a Database to Store Content
(Excerpt) Using a database to store content has some big advantages. Assuming it is set up and managed correctly, and that users (procedure writers, content creators, etc.) can find, edit, and extract the content they need for a particular document, it can offer value in being able to ’single-source’ certain reusable content, and to separate…
Read MoreWhat to Do if Your MS Word Refuses to Delete Selected Text Blocks?
© 2010 Ugur Akinci Have you faced this MS Word problem at all? PROBLEM: You select a block of text and hit the DELETE key and… nothing happens!? If you look carefully at your status bar, there is a nagging question waiting for your action: “Delete Block? (No/Yes)” MS Word completes the deletion only after…
Read MoreBuilding Trust and Credibility for Success
(Excerpt) By Christina At an interview recently I was asked, “How do you build trust?” After thinking about the question for a moment, I answered, Building trust requires that you be honest and transparent. Also, delivering on your promises instills credibility and helps build trust. I think that was a pretty good answer for thinking…
Read MoreHow to Create a Multi-Level Ordered List in OpenOffice
© 2010 Ugur Akinci (1) Create your list items without any ordering (numbers or letters). For example: Apple/Orange/Watermelon. (2) Select your list items and click the “Numbering On/Off” button in the Toolbar to toggle on numbers. (3) Add the second-level (indented) level of information. For example: Calories/PH-level. At this point the whole list will look…
Read MoreWho Gets How Much When a Book is Sold?
(Excerpts) On a typical hardcover, the publisher sets a suggested retail price. Let’s say it is $26. The bookseller will generally pay the publisher $13. Out of that gross revenue, the publisher pays about $3.25 to print, store and ship the book, including unsold copies returned to the publisher by booksellers. For cover design, typesetting…
Read MorePros and Cons of Working as a Remote Writer
Working as a remote writer might sound like a dream job, but it can also have its downside. One of the main challenges is that you’re not surrounded by coworkers on a day-to-day basis. The following are some of the pros and cons of working remotely: Pros of Working as a Remote Writer: Remote writers…
Read MoreIs Technical Writing Good Only for Explaining “Complex Things” in a “Simple Manner”?
© Ugur Akinci I forgot the number of times I’ve read technical writing defined as explaining “complex things” in a language “simple enough” for the “laymen” so that “anybody” can understand what you’re talking about… Is this true? Yes and No. Why? Because it all depends on the intended audience of the document. If your…
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