Writer River This Pipe feed is a compilation of feeds for <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://writerriver.com">Writer River</a>, an aggregated feed of recommended posts and other articles related to technical communication or technical writing. http://pipes.yahoo.com/pipes/pipe.info?_id=0d634db660c583cf4cb0d4a1631c4953 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 17:25:46 -0700 http://pipes.yahoo.com/pipes/ writerriverallhttp://feedburner.google.com Feedburner Add Customizable Subject Lines to Email Subscriptions http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/07/02/feedburner-add-customizable-subject-lines-to-email-subscriptions/ Feedburner Add Customizable Subject Lines to Email Subscriptions. Holy smokes, I&#8217;ve been waiting for Feedburner to roll out this feature forever. For all of your subscribed to email updates of my posts, you can now look forward to customized subject lines of the actual post, rather than just seeing the blog name. http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3970 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:56:11 -0700 Feedburner Add Customizable Subject Lines to Email Subscriptions. Holy smokes, I’ve been waiting for Feedburner to roll out this feature forever. For all of your subscribed to email updates of my posts, you can now look forward to customized subject lines of the actual post, rather than just seeing the blog name.

]]> Mind Hacks: In our wildest dreams http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/30/mind-hacks-in-our-wildest-dreams/ Mind Hacks: In our wildest dreams. Okay, I realize this has little to do with technical communication, but it will change the way you view your dreams at night. Rather than escape, fantasy, or just plain nonsense, dreams are &#8220;night-time survival training.&#8221; Those dangerous situations of aggression or pursuit are your body&#8217;s way of conditioning [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3956 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:21:15 -0700 Mind Hacks: In our wildest dreams. Okay, I realize this has little to do with technical communication, but it will change the way you view your dreams at night. Rather than escape, fantasy, or just plain nonsense, dreams are “night-time survival training.” Those dangerous situations of aggression or pursuit are your body’s way of conditioning a response to danger. It’s your training for those really dangerous situations you might find yourself in when you’re actually awake.

]]> What I'm Reading From the Desk of David Pogue – What’s in Pogue’s Travel Bag? Literally. – NYTimes.com http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/30/from-the-desk-of-david-pogue-what%e2%80%99s-in-pogue%e2%80%99s-travel-bag-literally-nytimes-com/ From the Desk of David Pogue &#8211; What’s in Pogue’s Travel Bag? Literally. &#8211; NYTimes.com. It&#8217;s interesting to see what kind of tech gadgets David Pogue carries when he travels. Perhaps the culture of James Bond gadgets has inspired such a fondness for gadgets. http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3947 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:19:36 -0700 From the Desk of David Pogue – What’s in Pogue’s Travel Bag? Literally. – NYTimes.com. It’s interesting to see what kind of tech gadgets David Pogue carries when he travels. Perhaps the culture of James Bond gadgets has inspired such a fondness for gadgets.

]]> How to apply syntax highlighting to code snippets in MadCap Flare http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ITauthor-reading-list/~3/jdDmiW9Fmac/ How to apply syntax highlighting to code snippets in MadCap Flare. The anonymous blogger at kungfuwit.wordpress.com describes how to use the SHJS (Syntax Highlighting for JavaScript) resources to make code snippets easier to digest, and easier on the eye. My documentation rarely ever contains code, but it's the kind of thing that may come in useful one [...] http://www.itauthor.com/?p=1381 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:19:30 -0700 How to apply syntax highlighting to code snippets in MadCap Flare. The anonymous blogger at kungfuwit.wordpress.com describes how to use the SHJS (Syntax Highlighting for JavaScript) resources to make code snippets easier to digest, and easier on the eye. My documentation rarely ever contains code, but it's the kind of thing that may come in useful one of these days. Note: He/she says this doesn't work in WebHelp - only for .chm - but there's a workaround I'll blog myself when I get some time.]]> What I'm Reading Palimpsest: This is the future of technical communication http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/29/palimpsest-this-is-the-future-of-technical-communication/ Palimpsest: This is the future of technical communication. Sarah O&#8217;Keefe explores an ethical dilemma about including potentially dangerous information in documentation (even if it&#8217;s accurate). Her post made me reflect. Fortunately, I don&#8217;t document anything that has any impact on one&#8217;s life (except death by boredom in a meeting). http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3945 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:28:00 -0700 Palimpsest: This is the future of technical communication. Sarah O’Keefe explores an ethical dilemma about including potentially dangerous information in documentation (even if it’s accurate). Her post made me reflect. Fortunately, I don’t document anything that has any impact on one’s life (except death by boredom in a meeting).

]]> What I'm Reading Secrecy versus openness in communication http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/28/secrecy-versus-openness-in-communication/ Secrecy versus openness in communication. Gerry McGovern makes an interesting comparison between Apple and Microsoft when it comes to secrecy and transparency. Although many people love Apple and find their applications simple to use, they are not a very transparent company at all. They maintain absolute secrecy until the day of release. Not so with [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3934 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 22:25:40 -0700 Secrecy versus openness in communication. Gerry McGovern makes an interesting comparison between Apple and Microsoft when it comes to secrecy and transparency. Although many people love Apple and find their applications simple to use, they are not a very transparent company at all. They maintain absolute secrecy until the day of release. Not so with Microsoft.

]]> Write Articles, Not Blog Postings (Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox) http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/28/write-articles-not-blog-postings-jakob-nielsens-alertbox/ Write Articles, Not Blog Postings (Jakob Nielsen&#8217;s Alertbox). I saw this link from Ivan Walsh. Jakob Nielsen argues that you should write long, in-depth articles on your blog rather than short posts that mostly link to other blogs. If you publish articles, you provide value to your readers and better establish your brand. http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3932 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:31:18 -0700 Write Articles, Not Blog Postings (Jakob Nielsen’s Alertbox). I saw this link from Ivan Walsh. Jakob Nielsen argues that you should write long, in-depth articles on your blog rather than short posts that mostly link to other blogs. If you publish articles, you provide value to your readers and better establish your brand.

]]> PDF Manuals: The Wrong Paradigm for an Online Experience :: UXmatters http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/28/pdf-manuals-the-wrong-paradigm-for-an-online-experience-uxmatters/ PDF Manuals: The Wrong Paradigm for an Online Experience :: UXmatters. This is definitely one of the must-read posts of the week. In it, Michael Hughes argues that the PDF manual is a relic from another format (the book) and has no real place on the web as the only form of documentation. http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3928 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:34:55 -0700 PDF Manuals: The Wrong Paradigm for an Online Experience :: UXmatters. This is definitely one of the must-read posts of the week. In it, Michael Hughes argues that the PDF manual is a relic from another format (the book) and has no real place on the web as the only form of documentation.

]]> What I'm Reading PDF Manuals: The Wrong Paradigm for an Online Experience http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/28/pdf-manuals-the-wrong-paradigm-for-an-online-experience-uxmatters/ PDF Manuals: The Wrong Paradigm for an Online Experience This is definitely one of the must-read posts of the week. In it, Michael Hughes argues that the PDF manual is a relic from another format (the book) and has no real place on the web as the only form of documentation. http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3928 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:34:55 -0700 PDF Manuals: The Wrong Paradigm for an Online Experience This is definitely one of the must-read posts of the week. In it, Michael Hughes argues that the PDF manual is a relic from another format (the book) and has no real place on the web as the only form of documentation.

]]> What I'm Reading Can You Get Fit in Six Minutes a Week? – Well Blog – NYTimes.com http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/28/can-you-get-fit-in-six-minutes-a-week-well-blog-nytimes-com/ Can You Get Fit in Six Minutes a Week? &#8211; Well Blog &#8211; NYTimes.com. This article will blow you away. Don&#8217;t have time to work out? If you go down to the gym for 2 minutes at lunch and bike or run as fast as you possibly can, the effect will be the same as [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3926 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:31:13 -0700 Can You Get Fit in Six Minutes a Week? – Well Blog – NYTimes.com. This article will blow you away. Don’t have time to work out? If you go down to the gym for 2 minutes at lunch and bike or run as fast as you possibly can, the effect will be the same as working out for an hour or more. I’m totally going to start doing this.

]]> 50 Free Resources That Will Improve Your Writing Skills | Developers Toolbox | Smashing Magazine http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/28/50-free-resources-that-will-improve-your-writing-skills-developers-toolbox-smashing-magazine/ 50 Free Resources That Will Improve Your Writing Skills &#124; Developers Toolbox &#124; Smashing Magazine. I appreciate the focus on &#8220;writing,&#8221; but I have to say that these long lists of resources never quite impress me as much as a good post. Also, even though many of the resources here go beyond grammar, I always [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3922 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:27:59 -0700 50 Free Resources That Will Improve Your Writing Skills | Developers Toolbox | Smashing Magazine. I appreciate the focus on “writing,” but I have to say that these long lists of resources never quite impress me as much as a good post. Also, even though many of the resources here go beyond grammar, I always resent it when people equate grammar and punctuation with writing. Writing is all about content; the grammar is just a given.

]]> How To Disassemble a Toilet In Many Easy Steps http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ITauthor-reading-list/~3/bGy2D26LFSY/ How To Disassemble a Toilet In Many Easy Steps. I stumbled upon this and - as someone who has to write sober, humourless procedural steps - I found it a lot of fun. For example, step 23: Pick up one of the cut-off nuts. Seconds later, drop it because it is hot like the sun. When you [...] http://www.itauthor.com/?p=1368 Sun, 28 Jun 2009 02:55:22 -0700 How To Disassemble a Toilet In Many Easy Steps. I stumbled upon this and - as someone who has to write sober, humourless procedural steps - I found it a lot of fun. For example, step 23: Pick up one of the cut-off nuts. Seconds later, drop it because it is hot like the sun. When you leave the bathroom to get some ice to put on your burn, tell your significant other that you touched it “by accident”.]]> What I'm Reading Watch How I Spend My First 20 Minutes Online Every Morning http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/26/watch-how-i-spend-my-first-20-minutes-online-every-morning/ Watch How I Spend My First 20 Minutes Online Every Morning. It&#8217;s kind of interesting to see how a pro blogger keeps updated with the barrage of information that a high profile blog like his attracts. The more popular a blog, the more emails, trackbacks, comments, spam, and noise. http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3913 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:39:04 -0700 Watch How I Spend My First 20 Minutes Online Every Morning. It’s kind of interesting to see how a pro blogger keeps updated with the barrage of information that a high profile blog like his attracts. The more popular a blog, the more emails, trackbacks, comments, spam, and noise.

]]> What I'm Reading Official Google Blog: Google Voice invites on their way http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/25/official-google-blog-google-voice-invites-on-their-way/ Official Google Blog: Google Voice invites on their way. This is the kind of short video tutorial I want to learn to do. To get dynamic motion in videos, am I limited to Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, PowerPoint animations, or Flash? Does anyone know what tool the creator used to get dynamic motion [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3905 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:06:16 -0700 Official Google Blog: Google Voice invites on their way. This is the kind of short video tutorial I want to learn to do. To get dynamic motion in videos, am I limited to Final Cut Pro, Adobe After Effects, PowerPoint animations, or Flash? Does anyone know what tool the creator used to get dynamic motion here?

]]> Google Voice http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/25/google-voice/ Google Voice. The help content for Google Voice is pretty cool &#8212; just a list of basic tasks (about 20) with short instructional video clips. I don&#8217;t know why the scripts to the video tutorials aren&#8217;t made available, but it&#8217;s a good example of how to do video tutorials for help content. Usually Google knows [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3903 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:01:02 -0700 Google Voice. The help content for Google Voice is pretty cool — just a list of basic tasks (about 20) with short instructional video clips. I don’t know why the scripts to the video tutorials aren’t made available, but it’s a good example of how to do video tutorials for help content. Usually Google knows what it’s doing, too.

]]> Outsourcing vs. offshoring, and how U.S.-based technical writers can stay competitive « Your Writing Dept Blog http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/24/outsourcing-vs-offshoring-and-how-u-s-based-technical-writers-can-stay-competitive-%c2%ab-your-writing-dept-blog/ Outsourcing vs. offshoring, and how U.S.-based technical writers can stay competitive « Your Writing Dept Blog. Ron Creel explains the difference between offshoring and outsourcing. Basically, offshoring is outsourcing outside your country. He also highlights the dangers of immigrant bashing. I think it&#8217;s easy to feel threatened by offshoring or outsourcing because it poses [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3898 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:42:48 -0700 Outsourcing vs. offshoring, and how U.S.-based technical writers can stay competitive « Your Writing Dept Blog. Ron Creel explains the difference between offshoring and outsourcing. Basically, offshoring is outsourcing outside your country. He also highlights the dangers of immigrant bashing. I think it’s easy to feel threatened by offshoring or outsourcing because it poses risks to your job (if you’re a company employee). However, there are numerous benefits to employing writers full time rather than outsourcing the work. One main skill is that the writer becomes a product expert and can provide multiple roles: training, support, maintenance, additional deliverables.

]]> What I'm Reading Iran: Just What Twitter Needed? | The Blog Herald http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/24/iran-just-what-twitter-needed-the-blog-herald/ Iran: Just What Twitter Needed? &#124; The Blog Herald. It&#8217;s interesting how the adoption and success of technology, such as Twitter, can be highly catalyzed by world events. It&#8217;s a matter of timing that sometimes determines your success, as Gladwell says in Outliers. http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3894 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:29:40 -0700 Iran: Just What Twitter Needed? | The Blog Herald. It’s interesting how the adoption and success of technology, such as Twitter, can be highly catalyzed by world events. It’s a matter of timing that sometimes determines your success, as Gladwell says in Outliers.

]]> What makes a technical writer tick http://writerriver.com/2009/06/24/what-makes-a-tech/ Technical writers are Jills and Jacks of all trades. But what really makes a tech writer tick? In this guest post, Sarah Maddox explores that question and comes up with some interesting answers. http://writerriver.com/?p=1283 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:08:32 -0700 Technical writers are Jills and Jacks of all trades. But what really makes a tech writer tick? In this guest post, Sarah Maddox explores that question and comes up with some interesting answers.

]]> Core Dump: STC Floundering? http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/24/core-dump-stc-floundering/ Core Dump: STC floundering? Keith Soltys reflects on the STC issue as well. His last paragraph sums up his point: &#8220;I would hate to lose the STC. It was really important in my development as a technical writer, and I still find it worthwhile. However, it&#8217;s not essential &#8211; the rise of the Internet, with [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3877 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:13:01 -0700 Core Dump: STC floundering? Keith Soltys reflects on the STC issue as well. His last paragraph sums up his point: “I would hate to lose the STC. It was really important in my development as a technical writer, and I still find it worthwhile. However, it’s not essential – the rise of the Internet, with the World Wide Web and social media, has provided many alternatives for finding information and networking with other writers. At one time, the STC was pretty much the only game in town – it’s not now, and if the people running the organization don’t realize this and start doing something about it now, it will die away.” Is it me, or does the trend seem pretty clear: not a lot of people are rooting for STC to survive without a major overhaul of value.

]]> What I'm Reading Bye bye STC | one man writes http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/24/bye-bye-stc-one-man-writes/ Bye bye STC &#124; one man writes. Gordon Mclean writes on the STC issue. &#8220;Perhaps the time has come to wrapup the STC and let a new organisation grow from the ashes.&#8221; http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3879 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:11:31 -0700 Bye bye STC | one man writes. Gordon Mclean writes on the STC issue. “Perhaps the time has come to wrapup the STC and let a new organisation grow from the ashes.”

]]> Technically Speaking » The STC Crisis: the take of a “young” writer http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/24/technically-speaking-%c2%bb-the-stc-crisis-the-take-of-a-%e2%80%9cyoung%e2%80%9d-writer/ Technically Speaking » The STC Crisis: the take of a “young” writer. Here&#8217;s Paul Pehrson&#8217;s take on the STC issue. Again, he argues that STC doesn&#8217;t have a strong value proposition. It seems no one is really getting much out of the STC. By the way, Paul just joined our team at work. http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3881 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:10:59 -0700 Technically Speaking » The STC Crisis: the take of a “young” writer. Here’s Paul Pehrson’s take on the STC issue. Again, he argues that STC doesn’t have a strong value proposition. It seems no one is really getting much out of the STC. By the way, Paul just joined our team at work.

]]> Screencasting Resources (Part One) « Blog « WordPress.tv http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/23/screencasting-resources-part-one-%c2%ab-blog-%c2%ab-wordpress-tv/ Screencasting Resources (Part One) « Blog « WordPress.tv. Trying to learn more about screencasting? Check out this list of resources from Michael Pick, the screencasting master. http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3883 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:43:01 -0700 Screencasting Resources (Part One) « Blog « WordPress.tv. Trying to learn more about screencasting? Check out this list of resources from Michael Pick, the screencasting master.

]]> Wiki Analytics / Socialtext Open Developer Community http://writerriver.com/2009/06/23/wiki-analytics-socialtext-open-developer-community/ Wiki Analytics / Socialtext Open Developer Community to learn more about analytics on web pages that can help you determine the overall health of a community. http://writerriver.com/?p=1274 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:11:57 -0700 Wiki Analytics / Socialtext Open Developer Community to learn more about analytics on web pages that can help you determine the overall health of a community.

]]> Identity and Authority: Why the Foundati … http://writerriver.com/2009/06/23/identity-and-authority-why-the-foundati/ Identity and Authority: Why the Foundation of Documentation is Changing http://writerriver.com/2009/06/23/identity-and-authority-why-the-foundati/ Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:43:29 -0700 Identity and Authority: Why the Foundation of Documentation is Changing

]]> Landing Pads http://writerriver.com/2009/06/23/landing-pads/ Landing Pads &#8211; The concept is simple enough. You create a single topic that will be displayed to the user when they bash our old friend the F1 button. That topic is unique to the help system and, based on context, can be used to display a smarter set of links to potentially useful information. http://writerriver.com/?p=1268 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:24:54 -0700 Landing Pads – The concept is simple enough. You create a single topic that will be displayed to the user when they bash our old friend the F1 button. That topic is unique to the help system and, based on context, can be used to display a smarter set of links to potentially useful information.

]]> Writer River Generation B – Mr. Mom, Father’s Day Edition – NYTimes.com http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/22/generation-b-mr-mom-father%e2%80%99s-day-edition-nytimes-com/ Generation B &#8211; Mr. Mom, Father’s Day Edition &#8211; NYTimes.com. I thoroughly enjoyed this post about fathers. A good barometer as to whether you&#8217;re involved in your kids&#8217; lives is whether you plan their birthdays. Although this editor worked 11 hour days with a 2.5 hour commute, I think tech writing jobs, which mostly tend [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3864 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:00:17 -0700 Generation B – Mr. Mom, Father’s Day Edition – NYTimes.com. I thoroughly enjoyed this post about fathers. A good barometer as to whether you’re involved in your kids’ lives is whether you plan their birthdays. Although this editor worked 11 hour days with a 2.5 hour commute, I think tech writing jobs, which mostly tend to be 8 or 9 hour work days, lend themselves to more family involvement. I’ve got a post I’m writing based on this article.

]]> Identity and Authority. Why the Foundation of Documentation is Changing. | The LugIron Software Blog http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/22/identity-and-authority-why-the-foundation-of-documentation-is-changing-the-lugiron-software-blog/ Identity and Authority. Why the Foundation of Documentation is Changing. &#124; The LugIron Software Blog. In this post, LugIron says documentation departments now have competition from other sources, whereas previously they dominated this arena without challenges from other sources. He pulls together several posts by various bloggers and suggests a trend in the industry. He [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3868 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:37:50 -0700 Identity and Authority. Why the Foundation of Documentation is Changing. | The LugIron Software Blog. In this post, LugIron says documentation departments now have competition from other sources, whereas previously they dominated this arena without challenges from other sources. He pulls together several posts by various bloggers and suggests a trend in the industry. He ends by arguing, “This shift [in the tech comm industry] will be dominated by multi-channel publishing of single-sourced, collaborative content that works to engage and bring users into communities influenced by the company’s they orbit around.

]]> 4J’s Group – THE CONTENT POOL: It’s STC not STW http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/22/4js-group-the-content-pool-its-stc-not-stw/ 4J&#8217;s Group &#8211; THE CONTENT POOL: It&#8217;s STC not STW. Alan Porter comments on the STC issue and argues that we don&#8217;t focus enough on the visual communicators&#8211;the graphic designers and illustrators. The STC really only targets the technical writers. In a world where visual information is in increasing demand as a means of technical [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3866 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 21:22:40 -0700 4J’s Group – THE CONTENT POOL: It’s STC not STW. Alan Porter comments on the STC issue and argues that we don’t focus enough on the visual communicators–the graphic designers and illustrators. The STC really only targets the technical writers. In a world where visual information is in increasing demand as a means of technical communication, excluding the visual communicators is one way we hold ourselves back.

]]> It’s Time to Shoot Your Blog | Copyblogger http://www.idratherbewriting.com/2009/06/21/it%e2%80%99s-time-to-shoot-your-blog-copyblogger/ It’s Time to Shoot Your Blog &#124; Copyblogger. In this post, Jon Morrow compares a cowboy shooting a sick horse to bloggers pulling the plug on a sick and dying blog. Shooting a blog is a better analogy than blog-fading, because shooting a blog suggests that you&#8217;re not just quitting because of a lack of [...] http://www.idratherbewriting.com/?p=3860 Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:46:18 -0700 It’s Time to Shoot Your Blog | Copyblogger. In this post, Jon Morrow compares a cowboy shooting a sick horse to bloggers pulling the plug on a sick and dying blog. Shooting a blog is a better analogy than blog-fading, because shooting a blog suggests that you’re not just quitting because of a lack of time, energy, or topics, but rather you’re quitting because something isn’t right about the blog–its focus, the lack of interest, or a non-existent community.

]]> What I'm Reading 14 Essential Wordpress Development and Design Cheat Sheets : Speckyboy Design Magazine http://writerriver.com/2009/06/18/14-essential-wordpress-development-and-design-cheat-sheets-speckyboy-design-magazine/ 14 Essential Wordpress Development and Design Cheat Sheets : Speckyboy Design Magazine. Great examples of quick reference guides, which they call cheat sheets intead. http://writerriver.com/?p=1244 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:04:22 -0700 14 Essential Wordpress Development and Design Cheat Sheets : Speckyboy Design Magazine. Great examples of quick reference guides, which they call cheat sheets intead.

]]> What is a Browser, etc | UI and us http://writerriver.com/2009/06/18/what-is-a-browser-etc-ui-and-us/ What is a Browser, etc &#124; UI and us. http://writerriver.com/?p=1242 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 09:56:53 -0700 What is a Browser, etc | UI and us.

]]> Writer River The perfect technical author http://writerriver.com/2009/06/16/the-perfect-technical-author/ The perfect technical author http://writerriver.com/?p=1230 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:40:41 -0700 The perfect technical author

]]> Writer River Planet | Writing Open Source http://writerriver.com/2009/06/14/planet-writing-open-source/ Planet &#124; Writing Open Source. Aggretator for blogs related to open source documentation. http://writerriver.com/?p=1224 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 11:04:32 -0700 Planet | Writing Open Source.

Aggretator for blogs related to open source documentation.

]]> Writer River The Writer’s Rough Guide to Everything Flare http://writerriver.com/2009/06/14/the-writers-rough-guide-to-everything-flare/ A useful tip for Madcap Flare users: Why you should not use the ‘print’ medium for printed manuals and other printed deliverables http://writerriver.com/?p=1221 Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:47:15 -0700 A useful tip for Madcap Flare users:

Why you should not use the ‘print’ medium for printed manuals and other printed deliverables

]]> Why FAQs are the tech writer’s secret w … http://writerriver.com/2009/06/09/why-faqs-are-the-tech-writers-secret-w/ Why FAQs are the tech writer&#8217;s secret weapon http://writerriver.com/2009/06/09/why-faqs-are-the-tech-writers-secret-w/ Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:18:40 -0700 Why FAQs are the tech writer’s secret weapon

]]> Measuring content strategy: Not a piece … http://writerriver.com/2009/06/06/measuring-content-strategy-not-a-piece/ Measuring content strategy: Not a piece of cake http://writerriver.com/2009/06/06/measuring-content-strategy-not-a-piece/ Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:33:54 -0700 Measuring content strategy: Not a piece of cake

]]> Old Media, Technical Writers, and the Ev … http://writerriver.com/2009/06/04/old-media-technical-writers-and-the-ev/ Old Media, Technical Writers, and the Evolution of Documentation http://writerriver.com/2009/06/04/old-media-technical-writers-and-the-ev/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:07:52 -0700 Old Media, Technical Writers, and the Evolution of Documentation

]]> Flare Does DITA. Google Makes Waves. http://writerriver.com/2009/06/04/flare-does-dita-google-makes-waves/ Flare Does DITA. Google Makes Waves. http://writerriver.com/2009/06/04/flare-does-dita-google-makes-waves/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:03:24 -0700 Flare Does DITA. Google Makes Waves.

]]> Reusing Content on Wikis and Blogs http://writerriver.com/2009/06/04/reusing-content-on-wikis-and-blogs/ Reusing Content on Wikis and Blogs http://writerriver.com/2009/06/04/reusing-content-on-wikis-and-blogs/ Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:15:09 -0700 Reusing Content on Wikis and Blogs

]]> Free video soft: video converter, ipod converter, mp4 converter http://writerriver.com/2009/06/03/free-video-soft-video-converter-ipod-converter-mp4-converter/ This may look like spam, but it&#8217;s not. If you&#8217;ve ever needed to download youtube videos or other media in an mp4 format rather than flv, this is the tool to use. Works great. (Think about those presentations you might be giving in places that are &#8220;offline&#8221;). Free video soft: video converter, ipod converter, mp4 converter. http://writerriver.com/?p=1205 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:58:04 -0700 This may look like spam, but it’s not. If you’ve ever needed to download youtube videos or other media in an mp4 format rather than flv, this is the tool to use. Works great. (Think about those presentations you might be giving in places that are “offline”).

Free video soft: video converter, ipod converter, mp4 converter.

]]> Search Engine Optimization for WordPress – Codex http://writerriver.com/2009/06/03/search-engine-optimization-for-wordpress-codex/ Search Engine Optimization for WordPress &#8211; Codex. http://writerriver.com/?p=1203 Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:14:31 -0700 Search Engine Optimization for WordPress – Codex.

]]> Social Media Strategy Framework For Bands, Refined « Hit Singularity http://writerriver.com/2009/06/02/social-media-strategy-framework-for-bands-refined-%c2%ab-hit-singularity/ Social Media Strategy Framework For Bands. This is for musical groups. What is it for your business? http://writerriver.com/?p=1200 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:16:55 -0700 Social Media Strategy Framework For Bands.

This is for musical groups. What is it for your business?

]]> Writer River Managing Online Communities http://writerriver.com/2009/06/02/1197/ Managing Online Communities: The Next Big Idea for Communications Professionals? by Rahel Anne Bailie &#8220;To be able to leverage user-generated content, an organization needs to have a community from which to draw information and opinions, and those communities need moderators. Community management, a relatively new career track, seems to be a logical next step for [...] http://writerriver.com/2009/06/02/1197/ Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:24:37 -0700 Managing Online Communities: The Next Big Idea for Communications Professionals? by Rahel Anne Bailie “To be able to leverage user-generated content, an organization needs to have a community from which to draw information and opinions, and those communities need moderators. Community management, a relatively new career track, seems to be a logical next step for content developers.”

]]> Presentation Zen: Think graphic design doesn’t matter? Writer River http://writerriver.com/2009/06/01/presentation-zen-think-graphic-design-doesn%e2%80%99t-matter-writer-river/ Presentation Zen: Think graphic design doesn’t matter? Writer River. http://writerriver.com/?p=456 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:11:16 -0700 Presentation Zen: Think graphic design doesn’t matter? Writer River.

]]> Writer River Quick Tips for Google Reader Power Users http://writerriver.com/2009/06/01/quick-tips-for-google-reader-power-users/ Quick Tips for Google Reader Power Users. http://writerriver.com/?p=1188 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:54:03 -0700 Quick Tips for Google Reader Power Users.

]]> EarnersTalk.com – Where Web Earners Talk http://writerriver.com/2009/05/31/earnerstalkcom-where-web-earners-talk/ EarnersTalk.com &#8211; Where Web Earners Talk. http://writerriver.com/?p=1186 Sun, 31 May 2009 16:52:38 -0700 EarnersTalk.com – Where Web Earners Talk.

]]> Writer River Paving the Road to a User Utopia http://writerriver.com/2009/05/31/paving-the-road-to-a-user-utopia/ Paving the Road to a User Utopia http://writerriver.com/2009/05/31/paving-the-road-to-a-user-utopia/ Sun, 31 May 2009 12:38:46 -0700 Paving the Road to a User Utopia

]]> You Will Be Assimilated http://writerriver.com/2009/05/30/you-will-be-assimilated/ You Will Be Assimilated http://writerriver.com/2009/05/30/you-will-be-assimilated/ Sat, 30 May 2009 05:39:30 -0700 You Will Be Assimilated

]]> HelpScribe: Why internal communications is the land of opportunity http://writerriver.com/2009/05/30/helpscribe-why-internal-communications-is-the-land-of-opportunity/ HelpScribe: Why internal communications is the land of opportunity. http://writerriver.com/?p=1182 Sat, 30 May 2009 02:18:39 -0700 HelpScribe: Why internal communications is the land of opportunity.

]]> Writer River To Wiki or not to Wiki http://writerriver.com/2009/05/29/to-wiki-or-not-to-wiki/ To Wiki or not to Wiki http://writerriver.com/?p=1180 Fri, 29 May 2009 16:08:42 -0700 To Wiki or not to Wiki

]]> Writer River Get SnagIt 7.2.5 for Free http://writerriver.com/2009/05/29/get-snagit-725-for-free/ Get SnagIt 7.2.5 for Free http://writerriver.com/2009/05/29/get-snagit-725-for-free/ Fri, 29 May 2009 03:36:19 -0700 Get SnagIt 7.2.5 for Free

]]> 30+ WordPress Theme Releases for May 2009 (part 2) – WPZOOM http://writerriver.com/2009/05/27/30-wordpress-theme-releases-for-may-2009-part-2-wpzoom/ 30+ WordPress Theme Releases for May 2009 (part 2) &#8211; WPZOOM. http://writerriver.com/?p=1177 Wed, 27 May 2009 14:52:59 -0700 30+ WordPress Theme Releases for May 2009 (part 2) – WPZOOM.

]]> Wordpress Theme Development Frameworks | Developer’s Toolbox | Smashing Magazine http://writerriver.com/2009/05/27/wordpress-theme-development-frameworks-developers-toolbox-smashing-magazine/ Wordpress Theme Development Frameworks &#124; Developer&#8217;s Toolbox &#124; Smashing Magazine. http://writerriver.com/?p=1175 Wed, 27 May 2009 14:52:24 -0700 Wordpress Theme Development Frameworks | Developer’s Toolbox | Smashing Magazine.

]]> UAX User Assistance Experience: New column and lessons from the Dobro http://writerriver.com/2009/05/26/uax-user-assistance-experience-new-column-and-lessons-from-the-dobro/ UAX User Assistance Experience: New column and lessons from the Dobro. a common learning pattern [is]: This is easy. This is hard. This is easy. So how does user assistance help move a user from the naive &#8220;this is easy&#8221; to the expert &#8220;this is easy&#8221;? http://writerriver.com/?p=1169 Tue, 26 May 2009 11:00:39 -0700 UAX User Assistance Experience: New column and lessons from the Dobro.

a common learning pattern [is]:

  1. This is easy.
  2. This is hard.
  3. This is easy.

So how does user assistance help move a user from the naive “this is easy” to the expert “this is easy”?

]]> Writer River Palimpsest: Think global http://writerriver.com/2009/05/26/palimpsest-think-global/ Palimpsest: Think global. http://writerriver.com/?p=1167 Tue, 26 May 2009 07:25:29 -0700 Palimpsest: Think global.

]]> Writer River