Recent Events

This month we welcomed people from two countries and two time zones. The group was smaller than usual; apparently summer weather outranks a Zoom meeting! Nevertheless, we had a lively discussion. One writer told us about his student work placement, creating a document...

Our June meeting focused on technical topics, mainly artificial intelligence (AI). One member showed off a Synthesia policies and procedures demo reel for his own consulting company, created using artificial intelligence and generated images. Synthesia is a non-profit...

We started with some news of a potential promotion for an attendee. During an informational interview with a lead technical writer at her company, the lead writer suggested she apply for a technical writing position and write her own job description! We talked about...

This month we discussed ChatGPT, its growing application in coding and writing, and some of its pros and cons. The STC has given several presentations and workshops on the topic, from fundamental definitions of language learning models (LLMs) and potential new...

This month’s virtual get-together began, appropriately for a networking meeting, with the question: Can you network if you’re not looking for work? Should you? Why or why not? All agreed that networking, online or in person, offers much more than job-hunting contacts....

At the February Tech Comm Café, attendees exchanged insights about finding employment and setting themselves up for good working conditions. They enjoyed sharing past experiences and looking forward to advancing in their careers as technical writers. We initially...

We started by discussing the potential for more face-to-face meetings this year. While meeting in person is nice for members in Greater Vancouver, it would exclude others. The virtual meetings are attended by members scattered throughout western Canada and the United...

This month we discussed some good volunteer opportunities to demonstrate your technical writing and develop a portfolio. The STC offers some on its Write for Us page. These could include writing articles or documenting a webinar. Volunteering is a good way to build a...

We welcomed people from different time zones, backgrounds, and levels of experience, including one who had worked as a flight attendant and teacher and is currently studying for a technical writing certificate. Many people have found their niche in technical writing...

The August meeting had a good turnout for a sunny summer day, though smaller than our usual numbers. We noted that attendance is down for all sorts of groups and events, even when people can join in at no cost from the comfort of home. Nevertheless, one person...

The meeting began with an observation that some tech companies, such as Amazon, are laying off employees, and fewer companies are looking for senior technical writers. A shrinking job market is a good reason to build one’s résumé by volunteering. STC Canada West Coast...

We found lots to talk about when a newer writer asked about editing etiquette. She’d written a blog post and was surprised to see it published with changes she’d never seen and didn’t necessarily agree with. Should the editor send a revised version back to the author...

Résumé tips and opinions about social media filled the bulk of our conversation at April’s Tech Comm Café. In attendance were several human resources veterans, and we kicked things off when one student asked about résumés for new writers. Which is more important:...

  Most people at the March meeting were repeat visitors, mainly experienced writers but some students as well. It was good to see familiar faces as well as new ones. We began with a spirited discussion of robocalls (especially the ones that wake us before dawn)...