April Technical Writing Digest
ClickHelp Release
As you may know, I use ClickHelp for technical writing and they’ve announced the Blossom release! I’m so excited to try it!
Here is a sneak peek from the ClickHelp release blog post: “Our latest Blossom update will take your content creation to the next level with Markdown import, better PDF export, Confluence import updates, and more. We have made the initial steps towards a complete transformation of the Contributor’s app that are sure to ease your work inside the portal. Furthermore, we have implemented a bunch of smaller changes to other areas. So let’s dive in and explore what the Blossom update has in store for you!”
You can learn more here: ClickHelp April 2023 Blossom Update Overview
A TV series about technical writers
ClickHelp suggested creating a TV series about technical writers! “We believe a TV series about technical writers and their challenges will work great! But what kind of series should it be?.. Maybe, a collection of stories spans several genres, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comedy… like Love Death + Robots!”
Learn more here: ClickHelp Linkedin Post
Technical Writing Survey
The Content Wrangler — in partnership with the Center for Information-Development Management and Content Science — is working to discover what motivates organizations to adopt inclusive language; and, whether the organizations that do so have methods in place to encourage or enforce its usage.
Those who complete the 10-question survey will be provided a free summary of the research findings, delivered via email, shortly after the survey closes.
The survey results will help provide insight into how companies are approaching inclusivity and whether more education and training are necessary to create more inclusive workplace cultures.
So, don’t miss the survey! You can take it here.
Upcoming Technical Writing conferences
WTD Portland
Where: Portland, Oregon
When: May 7–9, 2023
Write the Docs brings everyone who writes the docs together in the same room: Programmers, Tech Writers, Support, Designers, Developer Advocates, and more. We all have things to learn from each other, and there’s no better way than sitting together and talking.
Find details here: Welcome to Write the Docs Portland 2023
STC Summit
Where: Atlanta, GA
When: 14–17 May 2023
The Society for Technical Communication is celebrating a milestone in 2023 — its first 70 years. The profession of technical communication has been around since roughly 6,000 B.C., which means STC has been successfully shepherding the ever-evolving profession for a tiny fraction of its existence. The field is always growing and changing, and STC has changed right along with it. The STC team has several events planned for their platinum anniversary.
Find details here: STC’s Platinum Anniversary
Survey results: Technical writers on AI
Tom Johnson recently conducted an informal survey to find out the thoughts and concerns of technical writers about AI’s impact on tech comm. 291 people responded to the survey. This post is a brief analysis of the findings. (The tldr here is this: change is coming quickly to the profession.)
Learn more here: Survey results: Technical writers on AI
What did you find interesting in April? Share your links in the comments!
How did I become a technical writer? What skills do you need? Read FAQ on Technical Writing.
