Developing information in the information age

by Martha Sippel

The Information Age affects us all. Technology forces us to change. How can we keep up with all the new technology while still maintaining our professional dignity and, even more importantly, our sanity? Things that help me include being active in STC, continuing to read new articles and books (fiction and nonfiction on various topics), and maintaining my contacts in the profession.   

Maintaining contacts in the profession does not mean keeping in contact with only technical communicators. It means staying in touch with past employers, communicating with former coworkers, talking to your subject matter experts, updating your templates and style guides, and learning about new software, hardware, and technology. In other words, don't fall off the map. Jump in and join the technology revolution!

We all develop information in one way or another. Developing this information requires embracing new technology. Does this mean we abandon our roots? I don't think so. Things you have learned in the past are still applicable today, maybe even more so. Embracing technology does not mean that you forget your hard-learned lessons. Or that you include too much information just because you can. It means that you should use methods that have been successful for you and your users. Consider updating these methods and using new technology to deliver information in more useful and innovative ways.

People still learn in traditional ways. Some still like to read, listen, and observe rather than learning online. Be a skeptic of your work and an entrepreneur in proposing new methods over tried and true ones.

Let's face it, the Internet is here to stay. It is a wonderful tool for many different things, including online learning. It is convenient when you need to perform quick research or find a specific book or resource. It is a great resource when you have three or four ingredients and don't have time to hunt for a recipe in a cookbook or magazine. If a loved one or pet contracts a disease you can learn more than you want to know in a short time period. The national STC website allows us to search Intercom, Technical Communication, and Conference Proceedings for topics or authors. Chapter leaders can also peruse current and past issues of Tieline for articles (a newsletter for Society and chapter leaders).

But the Internet isn't the only resource I use. I still love going to the local library to search for information. There is still something satisfying about reading in a comfortable library chair (all library chairs are not hard plastic or wood anymore!). Sometimes I just need to get away from my computer. Call me old fashioned, but I find that I often resolve some of the most complex issues on a walk, in a discussion with friends or fellow technical communicators, or in the library.

What is one to do with all this information and technology? Why, drop back ten and punt, of course!

All kidding aside, my favorite saying is, "Change is inevitable, growth is optional." I do not know who to attribute this quote to, but it has inspired me in many stressful situations. For me, it simply states that the only thing constant in this world is change.

Business consultant Ira Blumenthal advises us that change is not new. However, the incredible speed of change is new. He also suggests that successful people exhibit the ability to embrace change rather than simply ignore it or react to it. According to Mr. Blumenthal, successful people are those who distinguish themselves as "change-masters." When faced with change, they take the appropriate action needed to succeed as opposed to ignoring it, which results in "death," or to reacting to it, which may only enable one to "survive." I believe the key is not only to survive, but also to flourish.

These days, we are all being asked to do more with less. Managers or clients request us to create better technical documentation and more online information with fewer people, less money, and sometimes without suitable equipment and technology. They often want us to put information online just because we can. Be judicious of your methods and be wary of your own processes. Don't abandon your tried and true methods to simply embrace new technologies. Use your knowledge and practical experience. Apply what you've learned from your successes and failures. Modify your information to accomplish something better and more innovative. You'll be rewarded!

Maybe you've heard the saying, "If you love what you do, you'll never have to work a day in your life." The way we grow and adapt to change is crucial to our survival. In other words, the way we act in situations or react to situations is critical. If we desire a successful resolution to our problems and issues, we must adapt to change. This is true in many different ways, not the least of which is in our professional careers. So choose your technologies, words, and methods of delivery carefully. Your choices make a difference.