What can technical communication learn from First Aid?
The sun was shining so I decided to go for a walk into town to get some lunch. On the way I heard a crash behind me. I turned around to see a motorcycle on its side and a motorcyclist lying beside it. A stationary car was nearby. I’m a trained first aider so I dashed across the road to see what I could do. What freaked me initially was that the motorcyclist was not moving, although it some became clear he was relatively OK. The car driver on the other hand wasn’t. Although they were not physically hurt, they were VERY distressed.
Do Developers have a sense of humour?
Earlier today I looked up to find one of my team shaking his head. I enquired if everything was OK, but the smirk on his face suggested that he was not facing Armageddon. He showed me a configuration dialog for a product he is working on. The product is still very much work in progress, but having to refer to the “Configurator” dialog throughout his documentation sent both our imaginations running wild.
Give us a chance to show what we can do
It is a bugbear of mine that when I install an application, I want as much control over how it is installed as possible. I want options for what is being installed, and where it is installed. It’s not much to ask. So excuse me whilst I complain about an application (that will remain nameless) that did the exact opposite.
Read more 
Does the UK’s voting system need a Technical Communicator?
The UK is going to the polls on Thursday. Unlike the French who are electing their President this weekend, we are only electing our Local Councillors and in London the Mayor and London Assembly. This is not normally an issue for most as our ballot papers are clear and the voting process relatively easy to understand. For most elections we operate a first past the post system. People here understand that the party / candidate with the most votes wins. The ballot papers list names and their allegiance and all you have to place a cross in one box. Easy. Or is it?
Truly talented Technical Communicators
A recent tweet from Rachel Potts (@Citipotts) advertised her undoubted talent at word carving. The intricacy of the tree branches is something to behold. Rachel is rightfully proud of the results. This got me to thinking of the talents of my fellow professionals away from their day job. Rhonda Bracey (@cybertext) is well known for her quilt making. RJ Jacquez (@rjacquez) turns wood for a “hobby” and also makes some money from it.
