Vol XII, Issue 2
We often overlook the power we have been given – by the One who doled out talent (or genes!), and the ones who gave us our jobs as writers. The power of the written word. We have used lines like the pen is mightier than the sword in school essays and elocution competitions, but I wonder if we really understand the depth of the truth that lies in that proverb.
A talent with words brings along the power of expression. An ability to express can lead to an ability to convince. Therein, my friends, lies the true power of language. Because a good idea, is no good if you cannot express it and get people to buy it. Whether you want your cook to be more punctual, or you want your boss to agree that you truly deserve that raise, you do it by finding the right things to say, at the right time, and in the right manner. You can gesticulate, but there is no use if you cannot articulate.
A good technical writer, is one who can convince the person seeking help, that there is nothing to worry about. A good technical writer simplifies the task for the user or reader. No matter what technology or medium we use, and no matter what the usability analysis dictates, we cannot dispense with words! In that case, is it not in our best interests to pursue words, and the ability to string the exact words for describing each scenario, and for encapsulating the entire matter?
We are lucky indeed – that we play with such powerful tools. But it is up to each and every writer to decide in what manner to use that power. To discuss the stubborn developer who just doesn’t understand, or to discuss a bright idea with the stubborn developer, and make him understand.
Anagha Chandratrey
On behalf of the INDUS team.
In this issue, we have Samartha Vashishtha and Anindita Basu giving us tips on using FrameMaker, and for harnessing the power of Dita respectively.
Sharada Palagummi demonstrates an editor’s job by reviewing two help topics, keeping in mind the youngsters of our community.
Shelpa Kaul reviews a wiki used for documentation and Manoj Bokil tells managers how to deal with, well, managing!
Don’t miss the STC announcements, STC India announcements, and the STC India learning sessions.
And speaking of STC India, the phase II of the portal development is on in full swing. Sridhar Machani, the STC India Web Consultant tells you more about it. As always, we have a special message for you from the STC India chapter’s Vice President, Rajdeep Gupta.
The illustrations by Mallika Yelandur for this issue of Indus are exclusive to Indus.
If you want to write for INDUS, check out the authoring guidelines and send in your articles to the editor before the 01st of June, 2010.
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Anagha,
That’s a great editorial.
“You can gesticulate, but there is no use if you cannot articulate.”
Could not agree more
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Thank you Anindita!
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Hi Anagha,
very nice write up.
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Thanks Vishwanath
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The truth in the proverb “pen is …”
You are right, Anagha, we don’t really give it much thought. I looked at writing rather from the point of helping the user; the power we wield escaped me.
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That’s right Sharada. It’s all a part of empowering oneself. If we don’t respect us, noone else will. And to do that, we should look at what we can do, rather than what others will or will not let us do!
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Hi Anagha,
Your name is good unlike your article. I don’t think there’s anything worth reading and it’s just a waste of time. You should focus on something that we don’t know in a platform such as the STC Newsletter.
Dear STC Editor,
How can you publish such write-up that doesn’t have any stuff. This kind of write-up is suitable for a personal blog not for reading in a great forum like this.
I am really dissapointed.
Thanks,
Poorvi
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Poorvi, Thank you for your comments. While we try to work on improving the quality and usability of the articles, we look forward to your contributions to help us achieve our goals.
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Hi Poorvi,
Thank you for the compliment. And I regret that the article did not live up to your expectations. Hopefully I’ll do better with the next issue.
~ Anagha.
(Editor, Indus)
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