As of this entry, we will no longer be updating this blog. We've replaced the blog with a free, new monthly e-newsletter, which you can sign up for here.
The newsletter has the latest STC Toronto news, programs, and events. (You can view the first issue here.)
It's a great way to stay up-to-date on what's happening in our community.
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Sunday, September 26, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Meet Your Career Day Speaker: Andrew Brooke
The STC Toronto Career Day is quickly approaching. In the days leading up to the event, we’d like to introduce you to our panel of guest speakers who will help you realize, plan and prepare you for your career goals in the field of technical writing. On Saturday, September 25, they will share their expertise and industry knowledge with us at Seneca College (York University Campus), 70 The Pond Road, and we hope to see you there. In addition to the many great reasons mentioned, here’s one more reason why you should attend.
Andrew Brooke, Vice President, STC Toronto
Andrew is the Toronto STC Vice‐President and a Senior Technical Writer at Oracle. He has been a technical communicator since 1998. Prior to that, he worked in technical support, as well as in the printing industry. Andrew blogs regularly on the art, science, and philosophy of technical communication in his Writer's World column, which recently received an honorable mention on Mindtouch's list of the most influential technical communicator bloggers.
Leave your questions for Andrew in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.”
Andrew Brooke, Vice President, STC TorontoAndrew is the Toronto STC Vice‐President and a Senior Technical Writer at Oracle. He has been a technical communicator since 1998. Prior to that, he worked in technical support, as well as in the printing industry. Andrew blogs regularly on the art, science, and philosophy of technical communication in his Writer's World column, which recently received an honorable mention on Mindtouch's list of the most influential technical communicator bloggers.
Leave your questions for Andrew in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.”
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Meet Your Career Day Speaker: Michele Marques
The STC Toronto Career Day is quickly approaching. In the days leading up to the event, we’d like to introduce you to our panel of guest speakers who will help you realize, plan and prepare you for your career goals in the field of technical writing. On Saturday, September 25, they will share their expertise and industry knowledge with us at Seneca College (York University Campus), 70 The Pond Road, and we hope to see you there. In addition to the many great reasons mentioned, here’s one more reason why you should attend.
Michele Marques, Volunteer Manager, STC Toronto
Michele is a Lead Information Developer and corporate blogger at BMC Software. Throughout her 15+ years as a technical communicator, she has always sought to build and maintain connections with her professional network. She started making online connections before "the web." She is active in the STC Toronto chapter and is currently serving as Volunteer Manager.
Leave your questions for Michele in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.”
For more on Michele Marques, visit developer.bmc.com.
Michele Marques, Volunteer Manager, STC TorontoMichele is a Lead Information Developer and corporate blogger at BMC Software. Throughout her 15+ years as a technical communicator, she has always sought to build and maintain connections with her professional network. She started making online connections before "the web." She is active in the STC Toronto chapter and is currently serving as Volunteer Manager.
Leave your questions for Michele in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.”
For more on Michele Marques, visit developer.bmc.com.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Meet Your Career Day Speaker: Pamela Patterson
The STC Toronto Career Day is quickly approaching. In the days leading up to the event, we’d like to introduce you to our panel of guest speakers who will help you realize, plan and prepare you for your career goals in the field of technical writing. On Saturday, September 25, they will share their expertise and industry knowledge with us at Seneca College (York University Campus), 70 The Pond Road, and we hope to see you there. In addition to the many great reasons mentioned, here’s one more reason why you should attend.
Pamela Paterson, Senior Member, STC Toronto
Pamela Paterson has over 10 years of experience writing and managing documentation projects. She works as part of a team or as a lone writer for local and international projects.
Pamela is very active in the technical writing community and the Society for Technical Communication. For several years, she has helped writers find jobs in her role as the Toronto STC's resume and career coach.
Leave your questions for Beth in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.”
For more on Pamela Paterson visit writertypes.com.
Pamela Paterson, Senior Member, STC TorontoPamela Paterson has over 10 years of experience writing and managing documentation projects. She works as part of a team or as a lone writer for local and international projects.
Pamela is very active in the technical writing community and the Society for Technical Communication. For several years, she has helped writers find jobs in her role as the Toronto STC's resume and career coach.
Leave your questions for Beth in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.”
For more on Pamela Paterson visit writertypes.com.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Meet Your Career Day Speaker: Beth Agnew
The STC Toronto Career Day is quickly approaching. In the weeks leading up to the event, we’d like to introduce you to our panel of guest speakers who will help you realize, plan and prepare you for your career goals in the field of technical writing. On Saturday, September 25, they will share their expertise and industry knowledge with us at Seneca College (York University Campus), 70 The Pond Road, and we hope to see you there. In addition to the many great reasons mentioned, here’s one more reason why you should attend.
Beth Agnew
Beth Agnew is a veteran technical communicator and the Coordinator of Seneca's Technical Communication postgraduate certificate program. She has worked with numerous high tech companies to create effective documentation, usable interfaces, and outstanding user experiences. She is a senior member of the Society for Technical Communication and has been a popular speaker at their annual conferences.
Leave your questions for Beth in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.”
For more on Beth Agnew, visit bethbuzz.blogspot.com and senecatechcomm.com.
Beth AgnewBeth Agnew is a veteran technical communicator and the Coordinator of Seneca's Technical Communication postgraduate certificate program. She has worked with numerous high tech companies to create effective documentation, usable interfaces, and outstanding user experiences. She is a senior member of the Society for Technical Communication and has been a popular speaker at their annual conferences.
Leave your questions for Beth in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.”
For more on Beth Agnew, visit bethbuzz.blogspot.com and senecatechcomm.com.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Meet Your Career Day Speaker: Rob Hanna
The STC Toronto Career Day is quickly approaching. In the weeks leading up to the event, we’d like to introduce you to our panel of guest speakers who will help you realize, plan and prepare you for your career goals in the field of technical writing. On Saturday, September 25, they will share their expertise and industry knowledge with us at Seneca College (York University Campus), 70 The Pond Road, and we hope to see you there. In addition to the many great reasons mentioned, here’s one more reason why you should attend.
Rob Hanna, Mentor Program Manager, STC Toronto
Rob is a former director and board member of the STC and a past president of STC Toronto. Rob is currently serving on the STC Certification Committee and Body of Knowledge Task Force.
Rob Hanna is a leading expert in structured authoring and content management. He is the proprietor of ASCan Enterprises (est. 1991) specializing in DITA/XML, knowledge management, content management, structured authoring, and single‐source publishing.
Leave your questions for Rob in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.
Visit Rob Hanna on LinkedIn.
Rob Hanna, Mentor Program Manager, STC TorontoRob is a former director and board member of the STC and a past president of STC Toronto. Rob is currently serving on the STC Certification Committee and Body of Knowledge Task Force.
Rob Hanna is a leading expert in structured authoring and content management. He is the proprietor of ASCan Enterprises (est. 1991) specializing in DITA/XML, knowledge management, content management, structured authoring, and single‐source publishing.
Leave your questions for Rob in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.
Visit Rob Hanna on LinkedIn.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Upcoming FrontRunner Courses
Content Reuse: From Idea to Implementation
Thursday, Sept. 23
Reusing content makes sense on so many levels. It's efficient; content is written once and used wherever it is required. It increases usability; content is consistent wherever it appears. It improves quality; analysis helps to ensure you are reusing the right content, and writing it the best for its intended uses and users. And, it facilitates translation; reused content is written, reviewed, and translated once.
This practical session aims to answer questions our clients ask us all the time, including: What do we look for in analysis? How do I get started with content analysis? What does a reuse strategy look like? Once we have a strategy, what’s next?
See full details and where to register.
STC Toronto's Career Day
Front Runner is proud to sponsor STC Toronto's Career Day to be held on September 25, 2010 from 9:30 until 4 p.m.; great topics, great speakers. It is a unique opportunity to take a day off from everyone's busy life, come and relax, learn about job search concepts, techniques and tools and exchange ideas with colleagues.
We would like to thank Uri Galimidi, MBA, ACC, Executive Coach and the keynote speaker of Career Day for his article on Competitive Job Hunting.
Knowledge Workers Toronto
On November 2nd, the Content Reuse team will be the only speakers at a Knowledge Workers Toronto evening. If you missed last winter's STC Toronto Management Day, it is a great opportunity to come and learn about Content Reuse.
RoboHelp Essentials
Front Runner in association with the STC Alberta chapter is offering a two day RoboHelp Essentials course provided by Neil Perlin from Hyper/Word Services Inc.
This two-day, hands-on course is aimed at developers who need to understand RoboHelp from the basic level to some of the more advanced features, and quickly get up to speed on how to use them. There are no prerequisites. There is a requirement to bring your own laptop. (Don't forget your power cord!)
View course outline.
View details and registration.
Thursday, Sept. 23
Reusing content makes sense on so many levels. It's efficient; content is written once and used wherever it is required. It increases usability; content is consistent wherever it appears. It improves quality; analysis helps to ensure you are reusing the right content, and writing it the best for its intended uses and users. And, it facilitates translation; reused content is written, reviewed, and translated once.
This practical session aims to answer questions our clients ask us all the time, including: What do we look for in analysis? How do I get started with content analysis? What does a reuse strategy look like? Once we have a strategy, what’s next?
See full details and where to register.
STC Toronto's Career Day
Front Runner is proud to sponsor STC Toronto's Career Day to be held on September 25, 2010 from 9:30 until 4 p.m.; great topics, great speakers. It is a unique opportunity to take a day off from everyone's busy life, come and relax, learn about job search concepts, techniques and tools and exchange ideas with colleagues.
We would like to thank Uri Galimidi, MBA, ACC, Executive Coach and the keynote speaker of Career Day for his article on Competitive Job Hunting.
Knowledge Workers Toronto
On November 2nd, the Content Reuse team will be the only speakers at a Knowledge Workers Toronto evening. If you missed last winter's STC Toronto Management Day, it is a great opportunity to come and learn about Content Reuse.
- Location: Verity, 111D Queen Street East, Toronto Room (on 2nd Floor) Toronto, ON M3H 6A7
- Tel: 416-368-6006.
- View further information and registration. Please contact us if you have any questions.
RoboHelp Essentials
Front Runner in association with the STC Alberta chapter is offering a two day RoboHelp Essentials course provided by Neil Perlin from Hyper/Word Services Inc.
- Adobe RoboHelp 8: Essentials: October 25th and October 26th
- Alastair Ross Technology Centre 3553 – 31 Street NW, Calgary, AB
This two-day, hands-on course is aimed at developers who need to understand RoboHelp from the basic level to some of the more advanced features, and quickly get up to speed on how to use them. There are no prerequisites. There is a requirement to bring your own laptop. (Don't forget your power cord!)
View course outline.
View details and registration.
Meet Your Career Day Speaker: Ruth Parker
The STC Toronto Career Day is quickly approaching. In the weeks leading up to the event, we’d like to introduce you to our panel of guest speakers who will help you realize, plan and prepare you for your career goals in the field of technical writing. On Saturday, September 25, they will share their expertise and industry knowledge with us at Seneca College (York University Campus), 70 The Pond Road, and we hope to see you there. In addition to the many great reasons mentioned, here’s one more reason why you should attend.
Ruth Parker, B.Sc, MBA
Ruth has over 25 years of experience in teaching and in providing career, work and academic counseling to students at the University of Waterloo. Ruth is a qualified MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) practitioner and has developed and delivered team‐building workshops in industrial settings. In addition, she has given workshops on change designed for women facing change in their personal or professional lives.
Ruth Parker, B.Sc, MBARuth has over 25 years of experience in teaching and in providing career, work and academic counseling to students at the University of Waterloo. Ruth is a qualified MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) practitioner and has developed and delivered team‐building workshops in industrial settings. In addition, she has given workshops on change designed for women facing change in their personal or professional lives.
For more on Ruth Parker, visit RedClawPress.com.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Meet Your Career Day Speaker: Uri Galimidi
The STC Toronto Career Day is quickly approaching. In the weeks leading up to the event, we’d like to introduce you to our panel of guest speakers who will help you realize, plan and prepare you for your career goals in the field of technical writing. On Saturday, September 25, they will share their expertise and industry knowledge with us at Seneca College (York University Campus), 70 The Pond Road, and we hope to see you there. In addition to the many great reasons mentioned, here’s one more reason why you should attend.
Uri Galimidi, MBA, ACC, Executive Coach
Founder of The Will To Change Inc., an Executive, Career, and Personal Coaching practice, Uri is a certified coach and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). Uri is also a member of the board of directors and treasurer of the Toronto chapter of the ICF.
In the area of Career Coaching, Uri has developed a Career Strategy Framework, which includes a range of tools and techniques to help his clients to position themselves in the best possible situation to secure their target careers and jobs.
Leave your questions for Uri in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.
Uri Galimidi, MBA, ACC, Executive CoachFounder of The Will To Change Inc., an Executive, Career, and Personal Coaching practice, Uri is a certified coach and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). Uri is also a member of the board of directors and treasurer of the Toronto chapter of the ICF.
In the area of Career Coaching, Uri has developed a Career Strategy Framework, which includes a range of tools and techniques to help his clients to position themselves in the best possible situation to secure their target careers and jobs.
Leave your questions for Uri in the comment section and join us on September 25 at the Career Day to have it answered.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Get "Twisted" At Our Next Social !
Join us for our first Toronto Chapter social for the 2010-2011 year!
This social is open to members and non-members alike. There's no cost other than whatever you pay for food and drink.
Details:
This social is open to members and non-members alike. There's no cost other than whatever you pay for food and drink.
Details:
- Date: Thursday, October 14th
- Time: 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
- Location: The Twisted Kilt, 1954 Yonge Street, upper level
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Join Us For Career Day!
STC Toronto is proud to offer a Career Day that addresses strategies, tools, and guidelines for planning your Technical Communication career.
Put some quality time and resources into planning a career path that matches your interests, aptitudes, and skills and then translate that information into a resume stamped with your personal brand.
View complete event details and registration information.
Put some quality time and resources into planning a career path that matches your interests, aptitudes, and skills and then translate that information into a resume stamped with your personal brand.
View complete event details and registration information.
American Medical Writers’ Association - Canadian Chapter Conference
The Canadian chapter of the American Medical Writers’ Association welcome STC Toronto members to a day of networking and professional development in Hamilton, Ontario, on Saturday, October 16.
There will be several workshops of interest to technical writers and editors who work in scientific and medical fields.
For more information, please contact:
There will be several workshops of interest to technical writers and editors who work in scientific and medical fields.
For more information, please contact:
- Carolyn Whiting, Member-at-Large
- Phone: 416-271-1983
- c.whiting@atwhiting.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
STC Breakfast Social - Sat. Aug 28th
This month's STC Breakfast Social will be at Panera Bread in Mississauga. The event is open to all whether you are a STC member or not.
Please RSVP by Thursday Aug 26th, 2010 to stctoronto.membership@gmail.com.
Details:
Please RSVP by Thursday Aug 26th, 2010 to stctoronto.membership@gmail.com.
Details:
- Panera Bread (near Square One), 55 Square One Drive Unit #1, Mississauga, Ontario LSB OE2
- Tel: (905) 897-5505
- Website
- Time: 10am - 12pm on Saturday, August 28th
- Directions: Map (next to LCBO near City Centre Drive & Rathburn)
- Parking: Free
- Transit: Buses available from Islington subway to Square One (extra fare required)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Most Influential Technical Communicator Bloggers
MindTouch Inc., described by CrunchBase as "an open source software company that develops an enterprise content management system", recently announced on its blog a list of the Top 25 Most Influential Technical Communicator Bloggers. You can read more on their blog about who made the list and how it was compiled. Bill Swallow, one of the bloggers honoured, says on his blog that he'll be working on a post regarding the rating criteria, so stay tuned for more details.
From Toronto, DMN Communications partners Aaron Davis and Scott Nesbitt made the list at #7. Two STC Toronto members made the list of honourable mentions: Keith Soltys (Core Dump) and Andrew Brooke (A Tech Writer's World). Overall, STC head office is pleased at how well the Society is represented on the list.
One of the things that we should all consider is that, whether or not we think social media is useful for doing technical communication work, it may be quite useful for making the voices of technical communicators heard outside our own profession. Social media can also be a means by which we can more easily hear the voices of those outside our profession whose opinions and knowledge nonetheless matter a great deal -- users and other professionals with whom we work in tandem.
Set aside some time soon to visit the blogs and bloggers honoured on the list. Also be sure to drop in on Aaron and Scott, Keith, and Andrew to let them know their colleagues in the Toronto tech comm community have taken notice of their achievement.
Additional reading
CMS Wire: The Top 25 Most Influential Bloggers in Technical Communications
Cloud Ave: The Most Influential Technical Communicator Bloggers
Communications from DMN: On being influential
From Toronto, DMN Communications partners Aaron Davis and Scott Nesbitt made the list at #7. Two STC Toronto members made the list of honourable mentions: Keith Soltys (Core Dump) and Andrew Brooke (A Tech Writer's World). Overall, STC head office is pleased at how well the Society is represented on the list.
One of the things that we should all consider is that, whether or not we think social media is useful for doing technical communication work, it may be quite useful for making the voices of technical communicators heard outside our own profession. Social media can also be a means by which we can more easily hear the voices of those outside our profession whose opinions and knowledge nonetheless matter a great deal -- users and other professionals with whom we work in tandem.
Set aside some time soon to visit the blogs and bloggers honoured on the list. Also be sure to drop in on Aaron and Scott, Keith, and Andrew to let them know their colleagues in the Toronto tech comm community have taken notice of their achievement.
Additional reading
CMS Wire: The Top 25 Most Influential Bloggers in Technical Communications
Cloud Ave: The Most Influential Technical Communicator Bloggers
Communications from DMN: On being influential
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
STC Breakfast Social - Saturday, July 31st
This month's STC Breakfast Social will be at the Pickle Barrel. The event is open to all whether you are a STC member or not.
Please RSVP by Thursday July 29th, 2010 to stctoronto.membership@gmail.
Please RSVP by Thursday July 29th, 2010 to stctoronto.membership@gmail.
Details:
* Pickle Barrel Restaurant, Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
* Pickle Barrel Restaurant, Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
* Tel: 416.621.4465
* Website: http://www.picklebarrel.ca/* Time: 10am - 12pm on Saturday, July 31st, 2010
Reservations have been made under then name STC.
Friday, July 2, 2010
STC Dinner and Social - July 22
Join us for a fun evening of dinner and networking. Open to both members and non-members.
Details- Date: Thursday, July 22, 6PM
- Location: Elephant and Castle Restaurant and Pub, 212 King Street West (near King and University Ave., across from the St. Andrew subway)
- Cost: Whatever you pay for food and drink!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
2010 AGM A Resounding Success!
The 2010 Toronto STC AGM (Annual General Meeting) was a great success!
Over fifty members enjoyed a delicious indoor BBQ dinner at the beautiful Madison Pub. Led by Community President Anna Parker-Richards, the Executive Council presented various reports on activities at both the chapter and international level. Winning entries of our recent STC Toronto competition were on display.
At the awards ceremony, we recognized various individuals and organizations who have made meaningful contributions to the chapter. Mona Albano was presented with an STC Fellowship award for her tremendous contribution to the chapter since its inception.
The presentation closed with a look forward to our various upcoming events. Many people stayed on after to network and enjoy the party.
Over fifty members enjoyed a delicious indoor BBQ dinner at the beautiful Madison Pub. Led by Community President Anna Parker-Richards, the Executive Council presented various reports on activities at both the chapter and international level. Winning entries of our recent STC Toronto competition were on display.
At the awards ceremony, we recognized various individuals and organizations who have made meaningful contributions to the chapter. Mona Albano was presented with an STC Fellowship award for her tremendous contribution to the chapter since its inception.
The presentation closed with a look forward to our various upcoming events. Many people stayed on after to network and enjoy the party.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
STC Breakfast Social - June 19, 2010
This month's STC Breakfast Social will be at the Pickle Barrel. The event is open to all whether you are a STC member or not.
Please RSVP by Wednesday June 16th, 2010 to stctoronto.membership@gmail.
Please RSVP by Wednesday June 16th, 2010 to stctoronto.membership@gmail.
Details:
- Pickle Barrel Restaurant, 2300 Yonge Street, Toronto (Yonge Eglinton Centre)
- Tel: 416.485.1244
- Website: http://www.picklebarrel.ca/
content.php?page=28 - Time: 10am - 12pm on Saturday, June 19th, 2010
- Directions: http://tinyurl.com/
stcbreakfastsocialmap - Parking: 2 hours free underground parking. Parking validation can be done at the restaurant. The underground parking entrance is on Orchardview Blvd., one Block north of Eglinton Avenue. Transit: Eglinton Subway
Reservations have been made under STC. We normally hold the breakfast socials on the last Saturday of each month, but due to the G20 conference at the end of June and the expected traffic delays the event is being held one week earlier.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
STC Breakfast Social
This month's STC Breakfast Social will be at Whistler's Grille. The event is open to all whether you are a STC member or not.
Please RSVP by Friday May 28th, 2010 to stctoronto.membership@gmail.
Please RSVP by Friday May 28th, 2010 to stctoronto.membership@gmail.
Details
- Time: 10am - 12pm on Saturday, May 29th, 2010
- Whistler's Grille - 995 Broadview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4K 2S1
Tel: (647) 260-0810 - Website: http://www.dine.to/whistlers
- Directions: Map (Major Intersection: Danforth Avenue / Broadview Avenue)
- Parking: Free
Transit: Broadview subway
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Toronto Job Bank is working again
Or rather, the Toronto Job Bank is letting the Job Bank Manager work again. After I changed my default e-mail address, a technical glitch kept me from seeing behind the scenes to review and publish jobs that had been entered.
Our former Webmaster, Robert Milkovich, took on the tangled skeins of .PHP scripts and found the problem. Now, jobs will be reviewed and published quickly and you will find the job bank much more useful. I may even find a few jobs from obscure sources and add them.
Members, you know of a job that you don't want, feel free to submit the details or a link to the source and give your colleagues a chance at it!
Employers and agencies are reminded that job listings are free. They normally stay visible for three weeks; if you want to extend them longer or take them down sooner, let us know.
Our former Webmaster, Robert Milkovich, took on the tangled skeins of .PHP scripts and found the problem. Now, jobs will be reviewed and published quickly and you will find the job bank much more useful. I may even find a few jobs from obscure sources and add them.
Members, you know of a job that you don't want, feel free to submit the details or a link to the source and give your colleagues a chance at it!
Employers and agencies are reminded that job listings are free. They normally stay visible for three weeks; if you want to extend them longer or take them down sooner, let us know.
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