Millennials and Technology Use

Posted on January 16, 2020 by

If you’ve been a regular reader of this blog, you might be aware that other people’s technology habits occasionally can make me…cranky (see here and here for examples). I’ve gotten especially out of sorts regarding millennials’ social media use and their occasional non-use of electronic communications. Fair enough: I’m an affable curmudgeon. However, I’m usually willing to admit when I’m wrong. This is one of those times. Read on. Continue reading →

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Are You Really Doing “Heroic” Technical Writing?

Posted on January 13, 2020 by

It occurs to me as I get older that I’ve made my career doing rather boring, out-of-the-way, bureaucratic work: answering complaint letters, developing internal training programs, developing spreadsheets, writing proposals, editing engineering reports, and so forth. None of those are exactly cutting-edge, thrilling things. However, I have a different spin on such things. “Heroic” isn’t just the task/quest, but the work and attitude you put into it. Continue reading →

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Letting Go of Clients

Posted on January 9, 2020 by

This is not one of those things I like to talk about, but the reality is that if you’re a freelance technical writer/editor, you will not maintain the same clients for the length of your career. Some you will leave, some will leave you, and sometimes you will both call it quits by mutual agreement. This post will address how to handle those situations. Continue reading →

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Which Task Do I Do First?

Posted on January 6, 2020 by

I’ve probably covered this before, but since the U.S. is now on the Monday of the first full week of the new year, some of you might need a little help sorting out your inboxes. You’ve got a large pile of tasks to go through: which one(s) do you tackle first? I will share my version (along with some caveats) for your benefit. I’m helpful that way. Continue reading →

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2020: Back to the Business of Living

Posted on January 2, 2020 by

I was taking my regular walk New Year’s eve around one of the Disney theme parks when I realized that I really didn’t need or want anything on offer. Not that I’ve become a hater of the Mouse or decided to become some sort of ascetic (check out my belt size–I don’t fit the profile). It just came to me that I’m at the point where money or the things it acquires doesn’t drive me to do what I want to do with my life. What do I want as I head into 2020? Read on.

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