FEBRUARY 2006 (Volume 17 Number 5) About the Quill
In This Issue
President's Message
Ever seen an ad in a magazine or article in a newspaper, and wanted to take your red pen to it? Well, Debbie does just that
in this month's article as she shares the joy of that experience or "gift". Her family could care less, but we understand.
Structured FrameMaker and XML—Document Development on a Small Budget
At the December general meeting, Fei Min Lorente (our Volunteer Coordinator) talked about her journey into single-sourcing, and how structured FrameMaker and XML helped save her time, money, and her sanity as a lone writer.
Freelance 101: Chronicles for the Self-Employed
This month, Leanne tackles assessing a fair rate for your services, including analysing the different types of services, and other factors, such as how much you need the work.
Openings on Advisory Committee at Humber College
Have an opinion about how to develop a technical writing program? Here is your chance to make a difference—Humber
College needs volunteers to advise on the direction of their writing certificate program. Up to the challenge?
STC Elections are almost here!
March is fast approaching when we cast our votes for the candidates at Head Office. Start getting to know them now. For more information about all the candidates, and why Rachel Houghton wants your vote, read on.
Don't Delay — Register Today!
It's not too late to register for our upcoming Education seminars. Don't miss this opportunity to brush up on your editing and instructional design skills.
Workshop for Medical Writers and Editors
Are you looking for training as a medical writer or editor? Would you like to meet other professionals in your field? Consider attending this workshop in Toronto.
December Council Meeting: All Was Calm; All Was Bright
In December, the council met at Cafe Gallery Bolero in Kitchener, and it was a beautiful, stress-less, thing.
January Council Meeting Minutes
Read about the first council meeting of 2006, and find out which new council role this editor is campaigning for...
Membership Update
When it rains, it pours. This month, Leanne has three senior member profiles to share—read all about it (them?).
Upcoming Chapter Meetings
Read all about the meeting topics planned for 2006, including an STC veteran's talk on the Universal Design for Learning and the annual Wine and Cheese in March!
The Editor's MessageWelcome to our first issue of 2006—hope this year has started off with a whistle and a skip. Or, for those who do not relate to (nor wish to) Snow White's seven little men, perhaps just an extra dash of pixie dust in your cornflakes? The times they are a changin'...So far 2006 has seen a new prime minister of Canada (and another minority government, for which I am actually thankful), and a terrorist group "elected" in Palestine. I'll leave the "axes of evil" speeches to George W., but wow, lately the balance of power has taken a strong and uncomfortable shift . I think we are all in for quite a ride, so fasten those seatbelts. I am hoping this is not the year Nostradamus's prophecy of the third, and final, anti-Christ comes to fruition. Why I need to whistleWhile I have concerns about the direction this year is taking, I do not share the illusion that I am at all in control of steering the boat. So, I am just going to happily paddle along and hope for the best. I believe we can change the world one smile at a time, and have given up worrying about what is around the corner. Live and learn for today. Skipping is optional. Writing is one way I like to escape, and reading what others have written helps me to understand someone else's world and views. Voicing our opinions is a civil liberty we should all be thankful for, as it is this freedom that keeps the balance of those in power in check—for each action, there is an equal and opposite reaction (or so science tells us), and possibly a story to share. Take control of that keyboardFind something worth acknowledging in your corner of the world, and share it with the rest of us. Knowledge is power, and we all want to be a little smarter (and more powerful). Teach us something and help make it a better, smaller world. As always, I welcome your articles, suggestions, and comments. Email me, Margie, at quill@stc-soc.org.
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Epitaph: Si monumentum requiris circumspice.
[If you require a monument, look around.]
Sir Christopher Wren (1632 to 1723), legendary English architect, in St. Paul's Cathedral (his "masterpiece")
Creating and supporting a forum for communities of practice in the profession of technical communication