APRIL 2006 (Volume 17 Number 7) About the Quill

In This Issue

President's Message

Debbie talks about the joys of communication, or rather "miscommunication". She provides some excellent tips on making yourself crystal clear — we can all learn from her experiences.

Message from the Director-Sponsor

Cindy updates us on her involvement in STC strategic initiatives, and the wide world of STC conferences, past and present.

Wine & Cheese & Awards, Oh My!

A good time was had by all at our annual chapter Wine & Cheese. The suspense was almost unbearable — would Debbie actually sing??? Read on to find out.

International STC Competition

Ruth, our new Competition manager, lets us in on the secrets of international judging in the STC. Are you missing out?

Show us that our profession is worth singing about

Debbie challenges you to create a song for all of us to sing — got some snappy lyrics? Get those creative juices flowing and send them to The Quill! I'd love to publish them (which, trust me, is a lot less painful than ACTUALLY hearing me sing).

View from the Other Side

Nancy is back! She is healthy, happy, and very busy planning a chapter conference across the pond. Read on to catch up with our chapter affiliate and what she has been up to over the past few months.

Council Meeting Minutes

We saved pizza money over the last couple of months and met "online", made some decisions, and have some wonderful things to report, including plans for the chapter barbecue this year.

Membership Update

Leanne talks about the value of membership, and learning about other chapters. The STC is an international group with members all over the world. Why not learn what other chapters are up to?

Upcoming Chapter Meetings

Read all about the meeting topics still to come for 2006, including David Goodwin's insights into the communicators of tomorrow and Ralph Robinson's spiel on standards and why we need 'em.

The Editor's Message

Hop. Hop. Hop. Spring is here
and chocolate is everywhere.

Grass anyone?

The only grass I can see is plastic and in oh-so-colourful wicker baskets. But that's okay. Am I the only one who actually saves those baskets and the plethora of plastic grass that comes in them? 'Cause you never know when you may need a snappy basket, and ten thousand little pieces of plastic to pick up (or out of the cat's butt).

The Point

The thing I like about Easter, and make-believe bunnies, is I can give my 7- year-old daughter an electric toothbrush set instead of chocolate and The Bunny gets the blame. What was s/he thinking? "Well, at least you didn't get granola bars like your brother", I'll say.

Yeah, being a parent is fun!

Okay, so I do have a point and it is this: you never know what you are going to get out of life, so be prepared for surprises.

You might surprise yourself...

Take on one of the council positions and you'll be surprised to find out how much you know. Nominations are still going strong, and we are looking for a president, webmaster, program manager and several other roles. When you volunteer, you are not alone. Come and experience the incredible support of our chapter members!

Are you up to the challenge? You'll be surprised how little time volunteering actually takes, especially when compared to the rewards you get from it. I am not just talking free pizza at the council meetings, but expanding your circle of peers and sphere of influence. It is well worth the time and effort, and you make some great friends (and contacts) along the way. You can do it, trust me.

Have something to say?

As always, I welcome your articles, suggestions, and comments. Email me, Margie, at quill@stc-soc.org.

Creating and supporting a forum for communities of practice in the profession of technical communication