Writing Differences Between the Non-Profit and For-Profit Worlds

Posted on July 22, 2019 by

Today’s post was suggested by my friend Susan, who asked, “What about the various differences or challenges of working public/private or profit/non-profit gigs?” Primarily, the two types of writing differ by process, collaboration, and style. Continue reading →

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Communicating About Space: Apollo Plus 50

Posted on July 18, 2019 by

Apollo LEM

As a regular space enthusiast, writing professional, and soon-to-be-50-year-old, I’d be remiss if I didn’t touch on the anniversary Apollo 11, which happened 50 years ago Saturday. It’s a good time to reflect on that remarkable accomplishment, but also to note how much the world has changed–inside and outside the space community since 1969, especially in the field of technical advocacy. Continue reading →

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What Does Professionalism Look Like, Revisited

Posted on July 15, 2019 by

Last week I took a preliminary look at what “professionalism” looks like. Most of my comments were on the negative side–a list of “Thou shalt nots.” Today I’ll share a few thoughts about the positive aspects of being a professional technical writer–the aspirational or “heroic” ones, if you like. Professionalism isn’t just a matter of what you refrain from doing, after all, but also what positive contributions you can bring to the workplace. Continue reading →

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Heroic Restraint in the Presence of Excess Noise

Posted on July 11, 2019 by

Note: Some minor edits/changes have been made to the original post.

There is a serious misperception among non-writers that the writing process can be turned on and off at a moment’s notice and that it can be interrupted by conversation with zero negative impacts. Occasionally we get a coworker or cubicle neighbor who thinks this way and doesn’t understand the writer’s need for uninterrupted quiet (or music-filled, talk-free) time to stay focused and do the job right. What is the introverted technical writer to do? There are actions you can take to address the situation before you blow your top. Here are a few suggestions. Continue reading →

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What Does Professionalism Look Like?

Posted on July 8, 2019 by

Note: This post has been edited slightly from its original version.

One of the things they don’t teach in university technical writing class (but maybe should) is office etiquette, what I would call professionalism. Schools teach intellectual/technical skills and assume (perhaps wrongly) that  students will figure out behavior on their own because workplace cultures vary so widely. That might be true; HOWEVER, there are some basic behaviors that transfer nicely place to place. I want you to be taken seriously in the workplace. If you’re not taken seriously, you won’t be listened to, and that prevents you from making a positive (dare I say heroic?) impact in the workplace.  Continue reading →

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