April/May 2006

Volume 46, Number 5

The Year in Review

by Marella Colyvas, STC RMC President

Dear Members,

It is difficult to believe that the STC RMC "year" is almost over. Even so, we have some fabulous programs coming up. We have a Contracting and Independent Consulting (CIC) SIG meeting scheduled for May 31 where members will learn how to create and/or brush up on their "elevator speech." To sign up, please go to the booking site http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=110307. Any questions, contact Linda Whitney (lindag@techcomplus.com) or Whitney Broach (Whitney@BroachServices.com). Good hors d'oeuvres will be served.

On June 3, we have a very special seminar planned—STC FrameMaker Beginning to Intermediate Workshop. Three of your local colleagues who are experts in FrameMaker are teaching a one-day workshop for the low, low membership price of $140.00, plus cost of the text that you must purchase yourself or download. Contact Bette Frick for details (efrick@textdoctor.com). Non-members may also sign up for $165.00. Sign up for this excellent educational event at http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=110303.

We have had a marvelous set of programs this year, thanks to the hard work of our program managers Martha Sippel and Frank Tagader. There was the irrepressible Jack Molisani, who challenged us to make six figures in technical communication (I'm still not there); Dave Taylor, who not only gave us insights on how to use blogs as truly meaningful communication, but who was also able to use his technical wizardry and connect to the internet when the building's wireless did not work; insightful Larry Marine, who showed us how to divide the user-centered design process into problem solving and solution creation, so that the product follows Ready, Aim, Fire, rather than the traditional Ready, Fire, Aim; delightful Whitney Quesenbury, who taught us about personas and how they can improve usability testing; Bonnie Biafore, who showed us how to make the most of Project "YOU", as each of us has to take care of and hone ourselves before we can give our products and service to the world; Bill Horton, who entertained and enlightened the senior members at the senior member dinner about heroes, villains, and fools in technical communication; and last but not least, the erudite Ginny Redish, who showed us through insightful examples how websites can be improved through usability testing.

It has been a fascinating year. For those of you who were unable to attend this year's STC Conference in Las Vegas and are curious, you might be interested in reading a day-to-day blog on the conference written by Matthew Arnold Stern, a member from California: http://people.lulu.com/blogs/view.php?blog_id=13863. I'll bet it is a good read for those who were able to attend, as well. You might consider starting your own blog and giving us your impressions! Although I could not attend this year, I am all but certain that the sessions were as challenging, exciting, and educational as they have always been. STC rarely fails to deliver.

I have enjoyed being your president. My (and the entire STC RMC Council's) goal was to have good programs and at least one seminar for you, the members, this year. I think we have, without a doubt, succeeded on that account. What I ask, in closing, is that you support your STC Rocky Mountain Community by 1) giving your whole-hearted support to the new officers; 2) tell us what we can do to make your membership even more meaningful; and 3) plan to attend as many meetings as you can, and give us feedback. We willingly serve as your officers; and, we cannot do our work without your input.

Thanks for a great year!