accessible web site design · accessible web site design the details t his article is the second in...

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By Jeffrey Payne, OCSTC member

Highlights

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Orange County STC

September 2002 Vol. 41 No. 8

9 Membership News Welcome our new membors

10 Society Pages SIGs and special announcements

12 Calendar of Events Classes, meeting dates, resources

1 Accessible Web Site Design The Details

3 Meeting Information Times, directions and map

6 Director-Sponsor's Message Bonni Graham keeps you connected

7 The Only Constant is Change An Interview with William Horton

Accessible Web Site DesignThe Details

This article is the second in a three-part series examining theimportance, details, and application of accessible web site design. In

part 1, an Introduction (TechniScribe, August 2002), we examined theissue of accessible web site design, why it’s important, the laws andguidelines governing accessibility, and examples of how disabled personsuse the Web. In this article, we will review the guidelines that make upthe World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content AccessibilityGuidelines, the WCAG.

An Introduction to the GuidelinesAn Introduction to the GuidelinesAn Introduction to the GuidelinesAn Introduction to the GuidelinesAn Introduction to the Guidelines

The WCAG is composed of fourteen guidelines, each covering a differ-ent aspect of accessible design. Each guideline is composed of one ormore checkpoints. The checkpoints describe specific attributes ofaccessible design that must be met for a site to comply with the guide-lines.

Each checkpoint has a priority of one, two, or three. The importance ofthese priorities is as follows: All priority one checkpoints must be satis-fied or the web site does not comply with the guideline (or with theWCAG). All priority two checkpoints should be satisfied to removesignificant (but not critical) barriers to access. Priority three checkpointsmay be addressed to reduce problems with accessibility.

Most government standards (U.S., Canada, and Europe) for accessibilityare based on the WCAG and require sites to meet all priority-onecheckpoints for conformance purposes.

The GuidelinesThe GuidelinesThe GuidelinesThe GuidelinesThe Guidelines

Unfortunately, it is beyond the scope of this article to examine each of

the guidelines and correspondingcheckpoints in detail. The WorldWide Web Consortium (W3C)provides descriptions of theguidelines, the checkpoints, andtechniques for achieving compli-ance on the WCAG web site. Tokeep the article to a manageablelength, we will examine what Ibelieve to be the three mostimportant guidelines.

Guideline #1. Provide equivalentGuideline #1. Provide equivalentGuideline #1. Provide equivalentGuideline #1. Provide equivalentGuideline #1. Provide equivalentalternatives to auditory and visualalternatives to auditory and visualalternatives to auditory and visualalternatives to auditory and visualalternatives to auditory and visualcontentcontentcontentcontentcontent: Provide content that,when presented to the user,conveys essentially the samefunction or purpose as auditory orvisual content.

One phrase to sum up the detailsof accessible design would be“alternative content.” This articlecould just as easily be called “AllAbout the Alt. Attribute,” given theimportance of providing textequivalents to accessible design.Equivalent text is a cornerstone ofaccessible design because mostassistive devices use equivalenttext in some way or other totranslate content to accessibleformats.

Deciding what text to provide ismore than just filling in the “alt”text fields in your developmenttool. After all, most designers knowthat it’s good practice to providesome sort of alt. text for an image.But what should the text be? Take,for example, a button image

2 TechniScribe TechniScribe TechniScribe TechniScribe TechniScribe September 2002

The TechniScribe is published 11 times a yearas a benefit to the members of the OrangeCounty chapter of the Society for TechnicalCommunication. The goal of the publication isto reflect the interests, needs, and objectives ofOCSTC members. The TechniScribe strives tobe an advocate for, and an inspiration to,technical communicators by keeping themconnected to each other and to opportunitiesfor professional growth.

Articles published in this newsletter may bereprinted in other STC publications if credit isproperly given and one copy of the reprint issent to the TechniScribe Editor.

Submission Information The editorial teamretains and exercises the right to edit submittedand requested material for clarity, length, andappropriateness.

When submitting material please remember to

• Include a 25-word biography aboutyourself

• Send articles in Word format, RTF (Rich-Text Format), ASCII, or in the body of ane-mail message

• Send material to the [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

Managing Editor Cassandra HearnLayout Pamela ArmsteadCopyeditor Barbara YoungCopyeditor & Proofreader Rosemary HulceCopyeditor Anne StratfordCopyeditor James HaendigesProofreader Steve BlossomWeb Version Jeff Randolph

Monthly Advertising Rates 1/4 page $40 •1/3 page $45 • 1/2 page $60 • Full page $80

Subscriptions For one year, $10 to members ofother STC chapters.

Printer Print America, Aliso Viejo, CA

President's MessageBy Don Pierstorff, OCSTC Chapter President

� The elected officers of our chapter care firmly andcompassionately about one objective, helping our

unemployed and underem-ployed members becomesuccessful. We held the job fairin July and hope that as a result,some of you have leads or strongjob prospects.

I confess. I have the WoodyAllen Syndrome, manifestedonly when I write columns. I’vewritten for many newsletters,

and every time I write a column, I fear alienating areader, so I often make up for it by alienating every-one who reads it.

Technical communicators who got their first jobsduring the boom years of the 90's knew little aboutthe possible economic future because they had noprofessional past upon which to rely. Older technicalcommunicators did. They remember the glorious daysof the cost-plus government defense contracts, abouttwenty years ago, when companies billed the govern-ment for products and profits, and the government ineffect sent the companies the requested money. Thenthe secretary of defense realized that we had enoughdefense gear, so the military contracts were cut tozero. Many of us had already suspected that we weretemporarily doomed, so we quit our jobs before wewere laid off. I went to Convair, San Diego, for a bit,then decided to go for the money, winding up inJordan. End of autobiography, except to say that whileI was working on defense products, an army lieuten-ant colonel told me that when it comes to operatingnew “apparatus” (his term), “Whoever controls thewriting, controls the army.”

Some of our newer members began their then-blossoming careers when they were in their twenties.Now, ten years later, the drought has arrived. Al-though older tech writers will tell you that thisdrought will not dehydrate you, that fact won’t paythe bills. The economy shall return. Not to itsDot.Com Bluster Days, but certainly to better days. Iurge you in the meantime to stay with the STC so thatyou can openly talk with experienced colleagues, oneon one. They have fine advice garnered from theyears of experience they have had being hired andbeing laid off. �

2002 September TechniScribe TechniScribe TechniScribe TechniScribe TechniScribe 3

When:When:When:When:When: Tuesday, September 17, 2002 from 6:00 to9:00 P.M.

Where:Where:Where:Where:Where: Irvine Marriott Hotel18000 Von Karman AvenueIrvine, CA 92612(949) 553-0100

CostCostCostCostCost: Members with reservations $21$21$21$21$21Students with reservations $16$16$16$16$16Nonmembers with reservations $23$23$23$23$23Walk-ins or those registering afterdeadline $31 $31 $31 $31 $31No-shows billed $11 $11 $11 $11 $11

Directions to the Irvine MarriottComing from north and central Orange CountyComing from north and central Orange CountyComing from north and central Orange CountyComing from north and central Orange CountyComing from north and central Orange CountySouthbound on I-5 or southbound on I-405, exit atJamboree Blvd. Turn right onto Jamboree Blvd. Turnright onto Michelson, right onto Von Karman Ave.,right onto Quartz. Turn left into the Marriott parkinglot.

Coming from southern Orange CountyComing from southern Orange CountyComing from southern Orange CountyComing from southern Orange CountyComing from southern Orange CountyNorthbound on I-405, exit at Jamboree Blvd. Turn leftonto Jamboree Blvd. Turn right onto Michelson, rightonto Von Karman, right onto Quartz. Turn left into theMarriott parking lot.

Next Meeting Editor's Desk

ReservationsReservations are due by 5:00 P.M., Friday,September 13.

Registration• Register at www.ocstc.org/dinres.aspwww.ocstc.org/dinres.aspwww.ocstc.org/dinres.aspwww.ocstc.org/dinres.aspwww.ocstc.org/dinres.asp, or• Call the OCSTC Hotline at (949) 863-7666, or• Call Carolyn Romano at (714) 894-9221. Leave

your name, membership status, and phonenumber.

Parking will be validated at the door.Parking will be validated at the door.Parking will be validated at the door.Parking will be validated at the door.Parking will be validated at the door. Please park inthe Marriott lot. Do not park in the adjacent KollCenter Newport parking structure.

By Cassandra Hearn, Managing Editor

An Introduction to Object-OrientedProgrammingSpeaker: Susan Gallagher

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Welcome to the second issue of the newTechniScribe. I hope you had a chance last

month to look at all of thechanges we made, both inlayout design and in contentapproach. We are strivingto focus our efforts onfunction over design. I hopethe TechniScribe functionsas a valuable tool withwhich you can betteryourself as a technical

communicator. If you don’t like what you see justyet, send me e-mail. What content concerns youmost, and what doesn’t?

One of my co-workers frequently reminds me that,with any product, you must start with the goal beforeyou begin designing. Design is useless if your productdoes not do anything your users need or want.

Such is the case with most technical writing. Astechnical communicators, we must consider the userfirst when working with developers and engineers.Too many times a gadget or software program iscreated simply because it seems cool, looks good onthe drawing board, or outdoes the competition. Butwhat is the value of a super-cool gadget or programthat performs no useful task?

We can use our end-user awareness to affect productdevelopment. We can serve as consultants to find thebridge between function and design. What aboutthose instances where the function is good, but thedesign leaves much to be desired? When is the righttime to tell your developers or engineers that yes, theproduct is functional, but now let’s focus on design?

Now that you’re thinking about answers to thesequestions, have a look at Jeffrey Payne’s secondarticle, “Accessible Web Site Design: the Details.” Hefocuses on three of the fourteen guidelines thatdemonstrate how web sites not only need to befunctionally oriented, but need to be designed sothey are accessible to all. Get to the heart of designand find the future of documentation. �


<“Accessible Web Site Design” from page 1

"Ensure that documents are

clear and simple..."

named button.gif. Should it be “Button”? What’s thebutton being used for? For the “Next” button in amultipage article, the alt. text “Next” or “Next Page”seems like a good idea. For a “Submit” button on aform, “Submit your application” or “Search” might begood.

Of course, this example is anover simplification; but itshows that providing goodalternative text is just as, if notmore, important than providing any at all. Whenproviding alternative text, examine the context of theapplication: is the text for navigation; is it illustrativeor descriptive? Imagine your use of the page withoutthe visual cues and see what description provides themost benefit.

Several good tools are available for studying how aweb site behaves when used in a text-only or text-to-speech environment. The two tools I use mostfrequently are Lynx and IBM Home Page Reader.Lynx is a popular (and old) text-only browser, whichshould be available for most platforms. IBM HomePage Reader is based on Internet Explorer and is oneof the leading resources for disabled persons for text-to-speech conversion. Using both tools can help youto evaluate the placement, type, and quality of thealternative text that you provide.

Guideline #3. Use markup and style sheets and do soGuideline #3. Use markup and style sheets and do soGuideline #3. Use markup and style sheets and do soGuideline #3. Use markup and style sheets and do soGuideline #3. Use markup and style sheets and do soproperlyproperlyproperlyproperlyproperly: Mark up documents with the properstructural elements. Control presentation with stylesheets rather than with presentation elements andattributes.

Cascading style sheets (CSS) have provided develop-ers with new and important tools for controllinglayout, typography, and interaction of modern websites. CSS use is also playing an important role in theW3C’s efforts to separate content, structure, andpresentation.

For example, to control the placement and style of ablock of text, the W3C suggests that the headings andtext blocks (<H1>, <P>, or <BLOCKQUOTE>)define the structure. The CSS style defines thepresentation ( H1 { font-size: 18px; font-weight:bold; color: #666666} ). CSS position defines thelocation ( .Layer1 { position: absolute; left: 100px;top: 100px; } ).

As developers, we know that the W3C is more than alittle optimistic about the compatibility of CSS (espe-cially positioning) with older and even current

browsers. This is why, perhaps, the checkpoints ofguideline #3 are priority two instead of priority one.The importance of this guideline, however, shouldnot be understated. It is an important look at wherethe W3C and standards beyond accessibility (such as

HTML and CSS) are headed.

The particular benefits to acces-sibility this separation of content,

structure and presentation createsare such things as device indepen-

dence and the ability to apply custom style sheetsdefined by a particular user. By properly definingsuch things as headings with the correct markup(<H1>) we enable devices such as text-to-speechreaders to audibly distinguish the heading, or a userwith a custom style sheet to redefine <H1> withtheir own attributes, such as size.

When developing sites, we must examine thedecisions we make when using such things as tablesto define layout, custom CSS styles to define head-ings, or fixed point sizes for fonts. These decisionsmust be a balancing act between standards, acces-sible design, usable design, and cost.

Guideline #14. Ensure that documents are clear andGuideline #14. Ensure that documents are clear andGuideline #14. Ensure that documents are clear andGuideline #14. Ensure that documents are clear andGuideline #14. Ensure that documents are clear andsimple: simple: simple: simple: simple: Ensure that documents are clear and simpleso they may be more easily understood.

A technical writer can provide the most benefit byfollowing this guideline. My favorite thought aboutthis comes from Steve Krug, author of Don’t MakeMe Think (TechniScribe, March 2002, book reviewby Pamela Payne). According to Krug, getting rid ofunnecessary words

• Reduces the noise level on a page• Makes the useful content more prominent• Makes pages shorter, allowing users to see more

of each page without scrollingIt is a challenging task, but it offers tremendousbenefit to all users. In terms of accessibility, thebenefit should be obvious when you use an assistivedevice such as IBM Home Page Reader. Once theability to scan a page has been lost, and content mustbe presented in a linear format, the appreciation ofclear and concise writing gains new ground.

What is clear in such books as Don’t Make Me Thinkis of double benefit to those who don’t share thesame access to material in the same manner that mostpeople do. As writers and developers we mustexamine the organization, quality, and clarity of the


TechniScribe Copyright and Trademark Statement

OCSTC invites writers to submit articles that they wishto be considered for publication. By submitting anarticle, you implicitly grant a license to print thearticle in this newsletter, and for other STC publica-tions to reprint the article without express permission.Copyright is held by the writer. In your cover letter,please let the editor know if this article has beenpublished elsewhere and if it has been submitted forconsideration to other publications.

Unless otherwise noted, copyrights for all newsletterarticles belong to the author. The design and layout ofthis newsletter are © STC, 2002.

Some articles might refer to companies or productswhose names are covered by a trademark or regis-tered trademark. All trademarks are the property oftheir respective owners. Reference to a specificproduct does not constitute an endorsement of theproduct by OCSTC or by STC.

content we provide so that, in an environment whereit is presented differently, its usefulness remainsthe same.

ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusion

Accessibility is an important issue and it creates atremendous opportunity for organizations to improveaccess to information for their customers. In thisarticle, we have explored a few of the importantguidelines of the WCAG. Although the guidelines weexamined were not all priority one issues, theirimportance in the future and benefit to accessibilitynow make them important to note. In part 3, we willexamine the implementation of accessible designguidelines on a web site, tools and techniques forevaluating and repairing design flaws, and proceduresfor an accessibility-based design workflow. �

Jeffrey Payne is founder and President of Furnace Creek Labora-tories, a web-site design firm headquartered in Irvine, California.For questions or comments about this article, please send youre-mail to [email protected] . Moreinformation about Furnace Creek Laboratories can be found atwww.furnacecreeklabs.com .

Additional ResourcesThe W3Cwww.w3c.orgwww.w3c.orgwww.w3c.orgwww.w3c.orgwww.w3c.org

The WCAGwww.w3.org/TR/WCAG10www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10

Yahoo’s Lynx Pagedir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/dir.yahoo.com/Computers_and_Internet/software/internet/world_wide_web/browsers/software/internet/world_wide_web/browsers/software/internet/world_wide_web/browsers/software/internet/world_wide_web/browsers/software/internet/world_wide_web/browsers/lynxlynxlynxlynxlynx

IBM Home Page Readerwww-3.ibm.com/able/hpr.htmlwww-3.ibm.com/able/hpr.htmlwww-3.ibm.com/able/hpr.htmlwww-3.ibm.com/able/hpr.htmlwww-3.ibm.com/able/hpr.html

ColophonThe TechniScribe was produced using AdobePageMaker 6.52 for Macintosh. Zapf Humanist andHumanist521 were used for text and heading fonts.

All original art work was created using Adobe Illustra-tor 9.0 for Macintosh. The PDF on the OCSTC website was distilled from raw Postscript using AcrobatDistiller 5.0 for Macintosh.


Director-Sponsor's MessageBy Bonni Graham, Region 8 Director-Sponsor

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One of the things my chapters routinely ask me is“What are other chapters doing? We want to do

new things, but we also want to dowhat we know works.” If you’re achapter president, you’ve noticed thatwe always ask for new and innovativeideas your chapter has implementedsince your last chapter report. Thistime, we got so many great ideas, theyserved as the inspiration for theBoard’s report back to you.

I’ve grouped the ideas by the categories in the ChapterAchievement Award guidelines to help with your strategicplanning.

Membership and Member ServicesMembership and Member ServicesMembership and Member ServicesMembership and Member ServicesMembership and Member ServicesMany chapters moved their elections online this year.They universally reported a successful experience withthis method; in some cases, they saw a significant in-crease in the percentage of members voting. Many usedthe Zoomerang service (www.zoomerang.comwww.zoomerang.comwww.zoomerang.comwww.zoomerang.comwww.zoomerang.com), whileothers set up a custom, password-protected service ontheir chapter site. In most cases, the membership numberserved as the access password.

In addition, many chapters have started using PayPal(www.paypal.comwww.paypal.comwww.paypal.comwww.paypal.comwww.paypal.com) to accept credit cards. This serviceworks by accepting credit card information, then transfer-ring the income in a batch to the chapter’s checkingaccount (specified during setup). This increases theconvenience and, in some cases, the availability ofattending chapter meetings.

ProgramsProgramsProgramsProgramsProgramsSometimes all you need is to reframe something. Onechapter discovered that its members found the term“meeting” to be uninviting. By changing the name to“workshop” and adjusting the format to more of aroundtable discussion, they experienced a significantincrease in attendance. Be sure to survey your members;everybody has a different take on what they want.

Another successful meeting format change was onechapter’s “Network and Nibble” format. According totheir description, “There is no formal speaker, but everyperson introduces himself or herself. We specifically invitelocal employment agencies and hiring managers. With nodinner, just appetizers, the cover fee is low enough foreven unemployed members. We also ensure that there isplenty of material such as back issues of Intercom, thequarterly journal, and conference proceedings availablefor people to review, as well as other technical writing-related resources.”

Administrative Council Don Pierstorff, President [email protected]

Elaine Randolph, Immediate Past President [email protected]

Jack Molisani, 1st VP Programs [email protected] Julie Dotson, 2nd VP Membership [email protected] Bruce Alexander, Treasurer [email protected] Jenise Cook-Crabbe, Secretary [email protected] Cassandra Hearn, TechniScribe Editor [email protected]

Julie Atkins, Public Relations [email protected]

Ann Shogren, Education [email protected] Mary Ann Howell, Nominating Committee [email protected] Kathey Schuster, Nominating Committee [email protected]

Dennis Hanrahan, Nominating Committee [email protected]

Carolyn Romano, Facilities [email protected]

Virginia Janzig, Scholarships [email protected] Bonni Graham, Region 8 Director-Sponsor [email protected] Jeff Randolph, Employment Manager [email protected]

OCSTCP.O. Box 28751Santa Ana, CA 92799-8751Chapter Hotline: (949) 863-7666

Chapter Fax: (949) 830-7585Web site: http://www.ocstc.org

Chapter Contacts


By Julie Dotson, 2nd VP Membership

The Only Constant is Change: An Interview with William Horton

We change tires, oil, diapers, our minds, schools,majors, careers, clothes, address, our habits,

our environment, have a change of heart, fight forchange, resist change, fear change. In managementthe most difficult thing to sell is the need for change,but what happens when change we didn’t instigate oranticipate happens?

Last September there was a strong possibility thatWilliam Horton would be unable to fly to OrangeCounty. We were glad to see him; he said he wouldhave driven himself if need be. Time has passed.Everything is different.

JDJDJDJDJD: In the past year have there been any adjustmentsto your professional travel plans?

WHWHWHWHWH: To the extent possible, I made no changes totravel plans. I had a presentation at the OrangeCounty STC right after the attacks, and never thoughtabout canceling it.

My travel plans did change because some clientscanceled scheduled events that required me to travel.I was doubly disappointed. I hated losing the work,but I hated even more seeing people give in to theirfears.

JDJDJDJDJD: Tell us how 9/11 personally affected your work asa professional in our field.

WHWHWHWHWH: I lost many gigs and a few clients because ofconcerns over travel and economic constraints. Itgave me time to pursue some other approaches tobusiness. I focused on building an e-commerce outletfor some of my reports and presentations. I recordedpresentations and put them on the web site. I devel-oped templates and design tools for sale. 9/11 gaveme the time and impetus to do that.

JDJDJDJDJD: How has 9/11 changed the way you work?

WHWHWHWHWH: Since 9/11 I do much more business over theWeb. Instead of conducting on-site presentations, Ihave done web seminars. I have begun selling docu-ments directly from my web site.

JDJDJDJDJD: Reflecting on the past year in technical writing,what trends do you see that have been brought forthby 9/11?

WHWHWHWHWH: 1. People are more conscious of one another.Family members don’t take their loved ones for

granted. And air passengers pay careful attention tothe person next to them.

2. Technical communicators, normally a bit shy andtaciturn, have become even quieter. I work withtechnical communicators, trainers, instructionaldesigners, programmers, and business managers.Technical communicators were always the quietest,but since 9/11, I notice they are even less active inmeetings involving other professions. This is a bitscary since communication, especially online com-munication, has become even more important.

3. Organizations are placing more emphasis oncommunication. They want to reduce travel and risk.They want to capitalize on e-commerce. They needto reduce the costs of supporting products. They arelooking at XML and web services as a technical basisfor greater efficiency.

William Horton will be in Orange County again thisSeptember 21-26 speaking at the Online Learning2002 Conference and Expo in Anaheim.

Visit his web site at www.horton.comwww.horton.comwww.horton.comwww.horton.comwww.horton.com. IllustratingComputer Documentation and Secrets of UserSeductive Documents can be downloaded for freefrom the site. �


< “Director-Sponsor's Message” from page 6

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"Long-time

members have a wealth of

history and knowledge that

newer members find

valuable"

Another chapter has started a book club to helpmembers “interact on a different level from thetechnical meetings.” Yet another chapter maintains alending library of the top titles in technical communi-cation and business.

Is your chapter experiencing tough economic times?You’re not alone; many other chapters are seeing thesame thing. One chapter established a Job SearchSupport group for out-of-work members. It focuseson “preparing members to find new work, network,cope with the recession, develop new more market-able skills, and expand their portfolios.” In addition tothe main group meetings, the support group isorganized into smaller groups that meet more fre-quently to provide mutual emotional support andencouragement.

Chapter Communication ProductsChapter Communication ProductsChapter Communication ProductsChapter Communication ProductsChapter Communication ProductsConsider the possibility of “hiring” a student to helpproduce or edit the newsletter. Many schools willgrant academic credit and, chapter funds permitting,you can create a stipend to help the student gainaccess to some of the training and networking avail-able at the annual conference. Make sure to have aprofessional-level chapter memberserve as a newsletter advisor, so thatthe student is directed.

Concerned about the consistencyof how information from yourchapter is presented? Onechapter created a style guide to helpchapter leaders and membership commu-nicate about Society and chapter events and otherinformation.

Recognition ProgramsRecognition ProgramsRecognition ProgramsRecognition ProgramsRecognition ProgramsIn this section, I’m adding an idea that came upduring the Leadership Day roundtable: when yourecognize a volunteer, plan for recognition before theend of the year, and plan for recognition that goesbeyond simply announcing their service at a chaptermeeting. Consider having a “Volunteer of theMonth.” Recognize that individual with a certificatedelivered at the meeting, a brief article in the chapternewsletter (no more that 250 words – one para-graph), and a letter on STC letterhead to theiremployer, thanking them for their efforts (send a copyto their boss and to Human Resources). You couldeven use the brief article as a press release to localbusiness magazines, many of whom have space forshort “newslets” about local business people, which

would provide publicity for the chapter as well!

In addition, consider a special recognition for senioror long-term members. One chapter tried this andnoticed an upsurge in participation by those mem-bers. Long-time members have a wealth of historyand knowledge that newer members find invaluable.Recognizing these members keeps them—and theirexperience—available to, and involved with, thechapter.

Society and Regional ParticipationSociety and Regional ParticipationSociety and Regional ParticipationSociety and Regional ParticipationSociety and Regional ParticipationMany chapters in many regions are sponsoringstudent writing competitions. These competitionsintroduce elementary, high school, and college levelaspiring communicators to the theory, practice, andart of technical communication. Some competitionsare in conjunction with a local science fair or otherschool function, and some are standalone competi-tions. Either way, they are excellent vehicles forexpanding community. As for volunteer opportunities,they provide a finite and concrete opportunity thatallows volunteers to provide an exceptional service oflimited and specific duration.

Other chapters sponsor a booth atcollege and high school career

fairs. They spend a day discuss-ing our field with studentsinterested in pursuing a careerin technical communication.

This effort provides exposure tospecific interested parties and to the

community at large. It enables volunteersto help define and promote the profession, as well asto network with others in related fields.

In a completely different area, one chapter hasstarted an outreach/partnership program to otherrelated professional associations, such as AmericanSociety of Training Developers (ASTD), AmericanMedical Writers Association (AMWA), and AmericanSociety of Indexers (ASI). They’ve established a liaisonposition on their administrative council to developstrategies and maintain programs ensuring the conti-nuity of the effort.

LeadershipLeadershipLeadershipLeadershipLeadershipWhile sponsoring a chapter leadership workshop isnot, in and of itself, innovative, some chapters havetaken such training to the next level. One chapterheld an all-day, free training, open to all volunteers,


Membership News

As of August, 2002:

Total members: 20,086

OCSTC member count: 368

Membership at a glanceMembership at a glanceMembership at a glanceMembership at a glanceMembership at a glance

< “Director-Sponsor's Message” from page 8

that not only explained the organization and structureof the Society, but instructed attendees in the bestpractices of nonprofit organizations for runningchapter activities and managing volunteers.

AdministrationAdministrationAdministrationAdministrationAdministrationA chapter treasurer holds a position of great responsi-bility. While there is oversight at the Society level,some chapters have supplemented that with addi-tional checks and balances, such as having thechapter president receive a copy of the bank state-ment directly from the bank. This provides a level ofsafety and comfort for both officers.

Some chapters, particularly in far-flung areas, havebegun holding their administrative council meetingson the Web. NetMeeting (www.netmeeting.comwww.netmeeting.comwww.netmeeting.comwww.netmeeting.comwww.netmeeting.com)enabled one chapter to “establish leadership in itsseveral geographically dispersed communities span-ning about 70 miles so that they could meet moreoften and conduct more chapter business.”

Even student chapters are getting into the act: onestudent chapter plans to use its web site as an articlerepository, as well as a two-way communicationmedium: “They plan to implement threaded forumsand polls so that members and students can collabo-rate outside of the meeting room.” �

Dinner is on us…

Has a friend or co-worker joined STC because youinvited them to a meeting or told them about

our organization? If so, OCSTC will pick up your tabfor one chapter meeting! We have 368 members asof August 2002. If everyone brought a friend wecould easily meet and beat our all-time high of 503!

Here’s how it works. To keep it simple and avoidconfusion, this event begins with July new members.The winner of the free dinner will be determined bye-mail. If more than one person claims to haveinvited a new member, the sender of the earliestdated e-mail gets the dinner! We will award thedinner upon receiving the monthly membershipreport from STC listing the names of the new mem-bers. Members, e-mail me the full name of theperson you invited or referred to OCSTC. Be sure toinclude your full name too! New or potential mem-bers, e-mail me the full name of the person who toldyou about OCSTC at [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected].

Please arrive early to the October 15th meeting forour New Member Mixer. Extra raffle tickets will begiven to those who attend, and we’ll have some greatdoor prizes! We have 15 more new members to meetand greet: Rick Melanson, Andrea Wall, BrianNerheim, Sharon Blumenthal, Casey Farley, NancyFoote, Jeff Foster, James Haendiges, Gary Hernandez,Phillip Lepee, Vivian McGrody, Michael Reed, JoelRice, Christian Ruoff, and Mariel Wilson. Look forsome of their profiles in upcoming issues of theTechniScribe!

Here’s Danita Gonder’s Profile:

I am currently looking for full-time work as a techni-cal writer and document design specialist. I worked in

the past as an electronics technician andan aerospace writer. Also, I have workedas document designer, becoming an avidFrameMaker user in the process. I wouldlike to use FrameMaker and RoboHelp2002 in my next position. I am pursu-ing a Certificate in Technical Writing atCalifornia State University, Fullerton.

Meanwhile, I am keeping myself out oftrouble by substituting in high schools,attending monthly Anaheim UnionHigh School board meetings, support-ing the Materials Curriculum

Committee, volunteering as a helper for a ReligiousRelease Time teacher, supporting political and

conservative activist groups, and tutoring an adult“English learner.”

I would like to combine my interests in education andwriting to pursue instructional design in the adultliteracy field. I have been to almost every college anduniversity in the U.S. I love to learn new things. Iearned a BS in Liberal Studies. My hobbies includepolitical activism, playing with my dog, cookingSouthern food for others, and reading. �

By Julie Dotson, OCSTC 2nd VP Membership


Society Pages

STC Mission StatementDesigning the Future of Technical Communication.

Positioning StatementSTC helps you design effective communication for a technical world throughinformation sharing and industry leadership.

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is the world’s largest organizationfor technical communicators. Its more than 20,000 members include writers,editors, illustrators, printers, publishers, photographers, educators, and students.

Dues are $115 per year, plus a one-time enrollment fee. Membership is open toanyone engaged in some phase of technical communication, interested in the artsand sciences of technical communication, and in allied arts and sciences.

STC headquarters contact information:

Society for Technical Communication901 N. Stuart StreetSuite 904Arlington, VA 22203-1854

In our current challenging economic climate, weneed to seize opportunities to stand out from the

crowd. What differentiates our work and makes itspecial? Winning an award in an STC publicationscompetition can provide prestige and recognition foryou and your company (or your clients, if you are acontract writer).

This year, the combined STC chapters of SouthernCalifornia are sponsoring a technical publicationscompetition that provides us with an opportunity toshowcase our talents as writers. Co-chaired byAdrienne Escoe and Kara Dodge of OCSTC, thecompetition enables you to win in several ways.

Be a ContestantBe a ContestantBe a ContestantBe a ContestantBe a ContestantEnter the competition. Each entry will be evaluatedby a judging team who use a set of criteria establishedby STC for the appropriate type of publication,whether it be printed or online. Even if you don’t winan award, you will receive valuable feedback fromqualified judges. If you do win an award at one of thethree competition levels, you will gain more than acertificate—you will have achieved prestigiousrecognition that you can list on your résumé. Entriesare due October 4, so that distribution and judgingcan be complete before the holidays. Winners at theDistinguished level are sent on to the Society levelcompetition.

Be a JudgeBe a JudgeBe a JudgeBe a JudgeBe a JudgeExperienced writers can participate as judges. If youhave served as a judge in past competitions, we needyou. If you have always wanted to gain this rewardingexperience, we want you. Serving as a judge bringsseveral rewards. You will be using your experience forthe benefit of others and the Society, and you will beseeing wonderful work from other writers that canprovide you with ideas to use in your future projects.If you want to serve as a judge, contact Jack Molisaniat [email protected].

Learn More on the Web SiteLearn More on the Web SiteLearn More on the Web SiteLearn More on the Web SiteLearn More on the Web SiteComplete information for this year’s contest will belocated on the Web at www.ocstc.org/www.ocstc.org/www.ocstc.org/www.ocstc.org/www.ocstc.org/competition.aspcompetition.aspcompetition.aspcompetition.aspcompetition.asp. Visit the site for information aboutthe schedule, various types of documentation thatyou can enter, the entry forms, cost of entries, andother details. Don’t miss this opportunity to stand outfrom the crowd. Gain the recognition you deserve! �

The Southern CaliforniaTechnical Publications CompetitionBy Elaine Randolph, OCSTC Immediate Past President


Society Pages

OCSTC Employment Information

By Jeff Randolph, Employment Manager

Our job listing is entirely online at the OCSTC website, and the pages are updated as jobs are submit-ted.

Staff Jobs

www.ocstc.org/employme.asp

Contract Jobs

www.ocstc.org/contractme.asp

If you have an inquiry or a job to post, e-mail JeffRandolph at [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected].

A limited number of printed copies of the OCSTCweb site listings are available at monthly chaptermeetings.

Society Level Job Listings

STC maintains job listings on the Internet. You candownload the listings from the STC web site atwww.stc.org/jobdatabase.htm

In last month's TechniScribe, we recognized thehard working volunteers from the chapter. Thelast thing we'd want to do is miss anyone, butthat's exactly what happened! Please thank JimJimJimJimJimLowerre Lowerre Lowerre Lowerre Lowerre for his tireless pursuit of badge stealers,De MurrDe MurrDe MurrDe MurrDe Murr for her enlightening speaking engage-ment, and Jenise Cook-CrabbeJenise Cook-CrabbeJenise Cook-CrabbeJenise Cook-CrabbeJenise Cook-Crabbe for tolerating amisspelling of her lovely name. Let no volunteergo un-thanked! Our chapter couldn't happenwithout you...

OCSTC Volunteers 2001-2002 Correction!

In case you missed Julie Dotson'sinterview on page 7, be advisedthat William Horton is comingback to California! He willappear at the Online Learning2002 Conference and Expo onSeptember 21-26 in Anaheim.For details, visit his web site atwww.horton.comwww.horton.comwww.horton.comwww.horton.comwww.horton.com.

William Horton is Back!

OCSTC Mailing AddressP.O. Box 28751Santa Ana, CA 92799-8751(949) 863-7666 (recording)

Address Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

SANTA ANA, CA

PERMIT NO. 1767

Visit These Other STC Sites...OCSTC Training Schedule at http://vaughnn.com/ocstc/ocstc_edu.html

Future ConferencesFriday & Saturday November 7-9, 2002 Region 7 Conference, Vancouver, BC, CanadaKeynote Speaker – Jared Spool. For additional information, go to the Region 7 Conference web site at www.region7conference.com

Postage Due Trust Acct. No. 999231Santa Ana P&DC, CA 92799-9702

Calendar of EventsSeptember 10 Administrative Council Meeting, 5:45 P.M., ProSpring Inc.

September 17 OCSTC Chapter Meeting, 6:00 P.M., Irvine Marriott Hotel

September Meeting Topic: An Introduction to Object-OrientedProgrammingWhen the job interviewer asks you to “describe this pen in object-oriented terms,” will you have an answer?When programmers are talking in the halls, do you understand what they’re saying?

And wouldn’t it help your “employment marketability” if you did?

At the OCSTC September meeting, Susan Gallagher provides an introduction to object-oriented program-ming, concentrating on the vocabulary and characteristics of C++ and Java. Don’t miss it!

Susan W. Gallagher began working in the software industry in 1983, when almost all software companies werestart-ups and job descriptions for the industry were in the early stages of formation. After nine years of experi-mentation that included curriculum design and classroom training for desktop applications, system operationand administration, customer support, programming, database administration, and technical writing, shesigned on at a company that offered a Rapid Application Development tool and she found API writing.

Susan has been leading teams that document object-oriented programming tools since 1992; she has beenpresenting workshops and conference sessions on object-oriented technology and API writing since 1995.Susan is based in San Diego, California, and can be reached at [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]. Or visithttp://pw1.netcom.com/~gscale/susanwghttp://pw1.netcom.com/~gscale/susanwghttp://pw1.netcom.com/~gscale/susanwghttp://pw1.netcom.com/~gscale/susanwghttp://pw1.netcom.com/~gscale/susanwg