The October Tech Comm Café took place virtually, via Zoom. After a round of introductions, we discussed a wide range of topics, starting with an announcement of an upcoming event: on January 13, 2021, Joel Basart will present an updated, webinar version of his popular Creating Instructional Videos workshop. Check the article for details and registration link.
One person asked whether independent technical writers need to incorporate their businesses, as opposed to being a sole proprietor. The answer: it depends. If you’re working as a contractor, some clients and some recruiting agencies expect or prefer that you be incorporated.
Some people said that the expenses of incorporation are higher than those of sole proprietorship, but incorporation might have tax advantages that make it worthwhile. If you incorporate, you’ll probably need a lawyer to help you set up your company and an accountant to deal with the complex tax reporting. Sole proprietorship is simpler, but it might expose you to liability and insurance issues that you can avoid as a corporation. Summary: It’s best to seek expert advice before you decide what’s suitable for your own situation.
Someone else had been approached about working with a student intern. (These work internships, usually unpaid, are also known as co-ops, practicums, or experiential education.) We discussed the kinds of tasks an intern can be assigned, how much supervision is required, how to deal with privacy and confidentiality of the company’s data, and the importance of hiring the right person. Most people at the meeting had either supervised interns in their workplaces or worked as an intern themselves. The employers had generally found it rewarding, not only because they got help completing a small project but also because they enjoyed mentoring a newcomer to our field. The interns also found the experience beneficial. It gave them a chance to see whether they liked the type of company and work they were assigned, how a real workplace functions, how to work with different types of people on a team, and how to apply their school lessons in the real world.
We ended with a light-hearted look at some stories about clients who take months to pay (solution: ask for a sizeable deposit before you start the next project), who try to get free consulting work by phone or over coffee, or who offer to pay you with livestock, scenic tours, or bags of cash.
The Tech Comm Café provides networking opportunities, job leads, answers to work-related dilemmas, and a burst of professional energy to keep you motivated. We discuss technical writing tools and techniques, career planning, portfolios, and anything else related to working as a technical communicator.
We welcome anyone who’s interested in technical communication — contractor, in-house, student, long-time tech writer, STC member, non-member, career-changer, or recruiter. We hope to see you at the next meeting!
Next Meeting: ONLINE on Wednesday, November 25, 2020
- Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
- If you plan to attend, please RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, November 25
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.pm. Pacific Time
Location: Online via Zoom
Agenda
- Introductions. Take 60 seconds to introduce yourself, your background, current activities. A good chance to try out that new elevator speech.
- Announcements and job leads. If you know of an interesting event or a job opening, or you’re looking for work, share it with the group.
- Brainstorming Q&A. Ask about a work-related problem and discuss potential solutions.
- Networking. Chat with other technical writers and discuss your professional backgrounds, goals, questions, advice.
Alison is a biologist and grant writer, and runs Edwards Technical Writing. She prepares complex documents for businesses, non-profit organisations, and scientific organisations. She is the Student Outreach Coordinator for the STC Canada West Coast chapter.