Category Archives: Uncategorized

Awesome conversations from TCUK09

Posted on 25 September 2009 by David Farbey

I spent the last two days at the Technical Communications UK 2009 Conference, organised by the ISTC, and held in Derby at the Mickleover Court Hotel. The hotel deserves a special mention because despite only becoming the venue for the … Continue reading →

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On branding, cattle, and broken marketing

Posted on 15 September 2009 by David Farbey

Meetings of the London Business Book Club, organised by the irrepressible Catherine Crawley, continue to offer fascinating speakers and stimulating discussions in a warm and cosy atmosphere. Last week we had the great pleasure of hearing from Jonathan Salem Baskin, … Continue reading →

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Is there such a thing as a “Programmer/Writer”?

Posted on 12 September 2009 by David Farbey

In a recent discussion thread on LinkedIn, someone asked for opinions about the job description for a vacancy for a “Programmer/Writer”. Was it possible they asked, for someone to be both a software programmer and a technical writer? Was it … Continue reading →

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User Documentation Survey 2009

Posted on 9 September 2009 by David Farbey

I’ve just launched my latest user documentation survey – click here to take part. Please do take part (it will only take you five minutes), and please pass this invitation on to anyone who might be interested. I’d like to … Continue reading →

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How to devalue writers

Posted on 4 September 2009 by David Farbey

I’ve commented before on how the unbridled passion for SEO has created a subculture of commoditised writing, where brokers are offering ridiculously low prices for “articles” sometimes paying as little as $1 for 200 words. No-one who lives in a … Continue reading →

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Do you make your own decisions?

Posted on 29 August 2009 by David Farbey

To what extent do you make your own decisions, and to what extent are your beliefs and your behaviour influenced by how you see other people around you acting? This rather deep philosophical question was the theme of the last … Continue reading →

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London Technical Writers social evening

Posted on 26 August 2009 by David Farbey

Please join fellow technical writers and their friends for an end-of-the-summer social evening on Thursday 10th September. This event is supported by both the ISTC and by the STC UK & Ireland Chapter.

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Two views on manuals from the BBC

Posted on 24 August 2009 by David Farbey

While last Friday’s BBC Radio 4 programme presented by Mark Miodownik on How to write an Instruction Manual presented an upbeat and quirky view of the history and importance of instruction manuals, the BBC’s technology correspondent, Rory Cellan-Jones, has presented … Continue reading →

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