I don't feel I've outgrown any of these resources, but I feel that temporarily, they've lost their way. The new path for technical communications is a hybrid role in which we do usability, documentation, user advocacy and quality control for the above during the development process. The old way is that we show up when the software is near done, vomit out a manual and online help, and go on to the next. In my view, our role has always been hybrid (writer and technician) and will continue to be so. The "community" is slow in adopting this.
You are correct that we should join the solution team instead of trying another divergent branch of the same idea. If everyone who complained about Windows worked to make Windows better, we would have one excellent operating system instead of three in various stages of completion. TCP's role in this I think is as a list for those who do not need the spotlight, but are forward-thinking. It's a great list with less of the chatter. --- "Jones, Donna" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > If you have been around for a while as a technical > communicator, do you > feel that you have outgrown STC and some of the more > traditional online > forums (lists like Techwr-l, TCP, FrameUsers, and > such)? > (Do I want to be a part of the > solution or just sit > back and complain that I see a problem?) User Interface design blog http://user-advocacy.blogspot.com/ Code::Design::UI::Consulting http://www.dionysius.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________Yahoo! oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links. http://mobile.yahoo.com/mobileweb/onesearch?refer=1ONXIC ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. DOCUMENTATION & TRAINING WEST 07: THE USER EXPERIENCE April 18-21, 2007 ~ Vancouver BC ~ Marriott Pinnacle ~ free city tour 40+ sessions * free workshops * free iPod offer * www.doctrain.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com