Jan. 21, 2013 STC Jeff Johnson Design by DJ Cline

On January 26, 2013 in Santa Clara at the Silicon Valley Innovation Center, the TC Camp was held. Pictures are at DJCline.com.

BTW: The next STC Silicon Valley chapter meeting will be on Monday February 18, 2013 at Harry’s Hofbrau 1909 El Camino Real, Redwood City, CA 94063 (650) 366-3733. Linda Urban will present “Topic-based Authoring: Why Bother?”

Organization: Clarity Consultants
Contact Name: Kelly Downey
Address: 910 E. Hamilton Ave, Suite 400, Campbell
Phone Number: 408-426-5832
Email Address: kdowney@clarityconsultants.com
Web Site: www.clarityconsultants.com
Job Title: Communications Writer
Job Duration: 6+ months
Job Location: Mountain View, CA 100% onsite, local candidates only
Start Date: ASAP
Description:

We are working closely with our client in identifying a Communications Writer to research, write, publish and maintain high-quality internal communications, user documentation, FAQs, and blogs for our client’s security product.

In this role, you will work both independently and collaboratively, confidently managing a variety of interests while interacting with engineers, product managers, and deployment.

Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree. In lieu of degree, 8 years of relevant work experience
• 3+ years of experience writing internal communications
• 5+ years of relevant experience in technical writing, product documentation, online publishing or technical blogging
• Experience writing for the web and working with HTML
• Excellent project management skills
• Proven teamwork skills and flexibility
• Exceptional communication skills, people person
• Experience writing for networking, email or security systems products is a plus

To be considered for this project, please send an email to kdowney@clarityconsultants.com with the following:

1. Your resume
2. Respond to each bullet point listed under “Experience Required” with your relevant skills and experience.

Please include reference#6053 in the subject line.

About Us:
Clarity Consultants is the leading provider of consultants for corporate learning and development and technical communications. For more than 20 years, organizations have turned to Clarity to deliver talent to help expedite critical projects. We are passionate about delivering the best L&D and Technical Communications solutions for our clients, we understand training and development, and we know the value that experience brings to the overall success of a project.

If the above opportunity is not for you and you are a learning and development or technical documentation professional, please register on our website at www.clarityconsultants.com.

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ClarityConsultants
Follow us on Twitter: @ClarityLnD, @ClarityTechComm

Please join us on Monday, March 18 at 6:00 PM for our March meeting, to be held at:
IHOP Restaurant
4200 Great America Pkwy.
c/s Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 980-8887

Unhappy Customers are Just the Beginning: Potential Costs of Poor or Missing Documentation

A perennial question in the technical communications community is how to justify our work in financial terms that management will understand. One partial answer is to consider potential consequences of putting insufficient resources into technical documentation—what happens if the material is poorly written, or not written at all? Consequences can range from unhappy customers all the way to loss of life and debilitating lawsuits. Joe Devney will use real-life examples to illustrate some of the dangers of inadequate documentation, and give tips on avoiding them.

Joseph Devney, STC Associate Fellow, has been a technical writer and STC member since the mid-1990s, and now also works as a forensic linguist. He has seen his share of bad documentation. Joe has been a guest speaker at several STC chapters, including Silicon Valley. He is currently president of STC Berkeley.

Please join us on Monday, April 15 at 6:00 PM for our April meeting, to be held at:
Harry’s Hofbrau
1909 El Camino Real
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 366-3733

Introduction to Documenting APIs

Most of us interact with software through a graphical user interface. For
example, when you look for directions on Google Maps, you enter text, click
buttons, drag icons, and so on. When two software programs interact with
each other, they speak to each other programmatically, through code. This
programmatic conversation is done through an application programming
interface (API).

Richard Smith will demystify APIs and tell us which companies offer them and
why. He will demo an API in action and tell us what it takes to document an
API:

• What APIs are (the basics)
• The kinds of APIs
• The business of APIs
• How to learn and prepare to document APIs

If you bring a laptop, you can make API calls to Richard’s live demo (most
phones and tablets won’t work).

Richard Smith is a senior technical writer at Netflix. He specializes in
writing developer documentation for streaming applications on TVs, set top
boxes, and mobile devices. He generously contributed to Gwen Barr’s article
on APIs in the Winter 2012 issue of our newsletter, Ragged Left
(http://preview.tinyurl.com/936udee).

Please join us on Monday, May 20 at 6:00 PM for our May meeting, to be held at:
IHOP Restaurant
4200 Great America Pkwy.
c/s Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 980-8887

Leveraging LinkedIn to get yourself noticed

LinkedIn opens up a universe of professional opportunities, but it’s seldom used to best effect. With over 185 million members in 200 countries, and two new members joining each second, it’s the social network no one seeking work–or workers– an afford to ignore.

Project managers can quickly find out who needs their services, and which skills they’ll need tomorrow, by following companies, participating in groups, and watching job postings. Unlike its rival services and the job boards, LinkedIn connects you with those who are accountable.

Project managers will learn how to optimize their LinkedIn profiles, get timely answers and insider opinions, network with peers worldwide, hunt for work efficiently, and never be invisible again.

By attending this event, Professionals will be able to:

• Expand their sphere of influence and network of potential collaborators
• Cull potential employers/clients and employees/contractors, focusing only on the promising ones
• Direct queries only to well-informed, accountable resources
• Learn quickly who knows what, then learn who they know who can help you
• Focus on results, not promises

At least a hundred new members have joined LinkedIn since you started reading this. Are you sure none of them are worth knowing?

Andrew Davis is a long-time member and supporter of STC SVC.

Andrew Davis has recruited technical communicators in Silicon Valley since 1995, first for Synergistech Communications and now as Director of Talent Development for Content Rules (formerly Oak Hill Corporation). He is a former software industry Tech Writer and is well-known for both understanding and championing the role of content development. At Content Rules he recruits all kinds of technical and marketing communicators, training and globalization professionals and, yes, project managers. Andrew enjoys helping those who communicate complex information get ahead by recognizing and refining their value to technology companies. He’s candid and connected and, more importantly, he likes to help tech industry workers gain their independence and operate without intermediaries.

Learn more about Andrew at www.linkedin.com/in/synergistech.

Here are some events you may want to attend.

This year’s ballot for leadership of the STC Silicon Valley chapter is now available at:

http://www.stc-siliconvalley.org/ballot2013/

Find your STC Membership ID number and follow the instructions provided.

Feb. 25, 2013 STC Joan Lasselle And Linda Urban by DJ Cline

Mar. 1, 2013 Events To Attend by DJ Cline

Mar. 18, 2013 STC Joseph Devney by DJ Cline

Organization: Marvell Semiconductor
Contact Name: Sakura Ticer
Address: 5488 Marvell Lane, Santa Clara
Phone Number: 408-222-9294
Email Address: sticer@marvell.com
Web Site: http://www.marvell.com/
Job Title: Technical Writer
Job Duration: Full-time
Description:

• Author PDF and web-based communication artifacts that support PCB and ASIC products for the Data Storage Business Unit.
• Deliver a compelling end-to-end user experience for Data Storage documentation — by assessing the needs of the customer and prioritizing the in-demand features for the documentation and using feedback to iteratively improving the product documentation.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and bring ideas that deliver more value to Marvell and its customers.

Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or technical communication.
• 5 to 8 years experience.
• A thorough understanding of the publishing process and the ability to work with raw engineering data and develop it into end-user documentation.
• Experience using Style Guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style and the Microsoft Manual of Style.
• Excellent project management, organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet scheduled deadlines.
• Excellent ability to work either in a team environment or individually when required.
• Excellent working knowledge of desktop publishing tools such as FrameMaker, and/or on-line help systems such as RoboHelp.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Preferable additional skill: Graphic design and illustration.
• Preferable experience: Engineering or software work experience.
• Preferable characteristics: A “can do” attitude with a strong desire to get the job done well.

Organization: Marvell Semiconductor
Contact Name: Sarada Kolluri
Address: 5488 Marvell Lane, Santa Clara
Phone Number: 408-222-2500
Email Address: sarada@marvell.com
Web Site: http://www.marvell.com/careers
Job Title: Technical Writer
Job Duration: Full-time
Description:

Requisition #12-12161 – Instructional Designer and Web Presence Manager

The successful candidate excels at instructional design using all aspects of the ADDIE model (and other applicable ISD models) to produce learning solutions that achieve desired outcomes. She/he is a self-directed person who builds strong relationships with key stakeholders, and thrives on working closely with teams to conduct needs assessments to produce the best solutions, and continuously evaluates and refines work products. In addition, the successful candidate has excellent presence and presentation skills required to effectively deliver classroom and virtual courses through diverse delivery channels.

• Gains understanding and drives clarity around the goals of the initiative, the problems being solved for, critical success factors, and weighted criteria on which to compare alternatives and make decisions.
• Effectively applies ADDIE and/or other instructional design models to design and develop highly interactive and creative virtual and classroom learning.
• Delivers work products that reflect best practices and quality standards tied to performance goals, respective to: delivery modes, learning objectives, content, participant guides and facilitator manuals, performance support tools, and evaluations.
• Manages work assignments using established project and process management practices and tools to deliver quality deliverables on time and within budget.
• Effectively employs excellent verbal and written communication skills in delivery of courseware, customer service and consultative work with diverse audiences.
• Effectively builds and maintains strong working relationships with peers, subject matter experts, and key stakeholders.
• Designs, creates content for, and implements an internal web portal for managers and individual contributors that serves to improve proficiency, as well as promote other L&D activities. Establishes intranet strategy, content strategy, and user adoption strategy. Coordinates and maintains user interface, documenting processes related to page development, and creating graphics and animations.
• Designs, creates content, and implements eLearning modules through Captivate (or similar software).
• Designs and creates advanced presentations through MS PowerPoint with a special ability to utilize graphics and animation to promote learning and understanding.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Instructional Design or related field and 5+ years experience.
• Experience creating training for multiple mediums: classroom, eLearning, blended, video and self-study, using variety of instructional tools.
• Proven knowledge of adult learning theory, principles of instructional design and delivery, and training evaluation (Kirkpatrick’s).
• Specialist knowledge in graphic design and intranet design.
• Knowledge of learning management systems (LMS).
• Exceptional organization skills for planning work and continuously monitoring progress toward goals.
• Strong project and program management skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with strong customer focus and consultative orientation.
• Flexibility to move between projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a strong detail orientation.
• Demonstrated expertise in using some of the following tools or technologies, along with departmental templates and processes to manage and develop content: Microsoft Office, especially Word and PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe eLearning Suite (Adobe Captivate, Flash), Adobe Fireworks, HTML/DHTML/CSS.

NOTE: Please forward the updated resumes to sarada@marvell.com for immediate consideration.

Organization: Dashe & Thomson, Inc.
Contact Name: Barbara Camm
Address: 401 No. 3rd St., Minneapolis MN
Phone Number: 612-312-0257
Email Address: barbara.camm@dashe.com
Web Site: http://www.dashe.com/
Job Title: Technical Writer – Banking/Regulatory
Job Duration: 6- to 12-month contract
Job Location: Petaluma, CA
Start Date: 4/15/2013
Rate: TBD

Description:
Experienced technical writer with experience developing regulatory documentation for the financial or mortgage industries. 6- to 12-month minimum contract position with possible extension.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a template and standards to ensure uniform policies with consistency of content, terminology, and format.
• Work with Client Subject Matter Experts to evaluate current processes and compliance to the regulatory requirements.
• Gather information through structured interviews.
• Document process flows, policies, and procedures according to recent gap analysis.
• Format, edit, and proof documentation.

Required Skills:

• B.A./B.S. in Technical Communications or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years technical writing experience.
• Proven experience documenting policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Good writing/grammar and organizational skills.
• Good proofreading skills and significant attention to detail.
• Experience in the financial industry, preferably banking or mortgage.
• Experience using Microsoft Word Styles.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with Dodd-Frank Act compliance requirements.

Contact: barbara.camm@dashe.com or http://www.dashe.com/contact-2/contact

Organization: Omnicell
Contact Name: Pam Jamison
Address: 590 East Middlefield Road, Mountian View
Phone Number: 803-201-8497
Email Address: recruiting@omnicell.com
Web Site: http://www.omnicell.com/
Job Title: Information Developer
Job Duration: Contractor, Temporary, Part Time
Description:
Be the Solution. Imagine the Impact.
Omnicell, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMCL) is a leading provider of automation and business information solutions enabling hospitals and other healthcare organizations to streamline the medication administration process and manage costly medical supplies for increased operational efficiency and enhanced patient safety. Since 1992, more than 2,600 hospital customers worldwide have utilized Omnicell’s medication automation, supply chain, and analytics solutions.Our dedicated employees and unique culture focused on customer intimacy have garnered us respect and recognition in our industry. Every day, around the world, our people play a vital role in improving healthcare for everyone. Let Omnicell be your solution to a great career and imagine the impact.
Omnicell is seeking a skilled information developer/technical writer with 3+ years DITA authoring experience. Content includes both software and hardware documentation for internal technical and customer end-user audiences.

Essential Functions:

• A DITA/XML guru
• Can perform and guide others through conversion of legacy FrameMaker content
• Are looking for a part-time, open ended opportunity (minimum 6 months) AND can work mostly onsite in Mountain View

Requirements:

• Solid technical writing and editing skills
• Aptitude for learning required authoring and publishing tools
• Strong collaborative and coaching abilities. Gives, receives, and applies constructive feedback as a matter of practice

Software/tools to be used:

• Legacy content is in unstructured FrameMaker
• CMS is DITA Exchange (on SharePoint 2010)
• New authoring within DITA Exchange uses MS Word-based XML templates

On Mar. 31, 2013 STC Silicon Valley Election results were:

President: Dave Hovey

Vice President: Marta Rauch

Treasurer: Gillian Flato

Secretary: Donald Hines

Congratulations!

Apr. 1, 2013 Events To Attend by DJ Cline

Organization: Elekta
Contact Name: Faith Goulbourne
Address: 400 Perimeter Center Terrace, Suite 50, Atlanta GA
Phone Number: 770-670-2402
Email Address: faith.goulbourne@elekta.com
Web Site: http://www.elekta.com/company/career-center.html
Job Title: Technical Writer
Job Duration: Full time
Job Location: This position is based in our Sunnyvale, CA office.

Description:
Elekta is looking for a few dynamic, Technical Writers to join our team!

Technical Writers are responsible for producing and publishing customer documentation to support comprehensive system use.

The selected candidate will comply with all quality standards and procedures, consistently deliver results according to project plans and deadlines, and pro-actively seek out and execute process improvements to deliver excellent customer documentation.

Candidates who are selected for interviews will be required to submit writing samples.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., technical communications, healthcare, computer science, communication arts, journalism).
• Minimum of 5 years experience in technical writing, online help development, and software documentation (PC applications and networking).
• Working knowledge of Structured Writing (DITA, Minimalism, etc.) and/or related writing methods, such as Information Mapping.
• Familiarity with and/or proficiency with the following software tools: Word, FrameMaker, RoboHelp or Flare (or another Help Authoring software), PaintShop Pro, Adobe Acrobat, and XMetaL (or another XML editor).
• Familiarity or experience with automation tools for Simplified English (such as HyperSTE, Acrolinx, etc.) and DITA and Content Management tools (such as Ixiasof).

Organization: Aeris Communications, Inc.
Contact Name: Syed Zaeem Hosain, CTO
Address: 2350 Mission College Blvd., Suite 600 Santa Clara
Phone Number: 408-557-1905
Email Address: Syed.Hosain@aeris.net
Web Site: http://www.aeris.net/
Job Title: Contract Technical Writer

Description:
We have an opportunity for some freelance technical writing projects (one technical writer is needed).

We need some technical white papers written.

• Around 6 to 8 papers, perhaps more in time.
• We would start with 1 paper and further work would depend on how well everything works out for you and us.
• Each is probably 4 to 20 pages long, depending on the topic, format, etc.
• They could contain drawn graphics and stock images, if needed.

The process we hope to use for each paper:

1. At our office, “interview” (ask questions!) and audio-record the information, as necessary.
2. The SME (me!) has a habit of jumping up and scribbling on a white-board – take pictures!
3. Go off and write the paper at home or your office or wherever you work best.
4. Send in review drafts (PDF?) – We would like to achieve the desired doc in three (or less!) review sessions.
5. Come in for face-to-face meetings if any are needed for clarification, additional info, review sessions, etc.
6. Deliver the FrameMaker (preferred) document (or InDesign if that is better suited), along with PDF and HTML output.

Our assumptions:

• You are within driving distance of our offices in Santa Clara, CA.
  There is no compensation for driving time.
• Preferably (but this could change), the writing would be done outside our offices. Must have your own computer with FrameMaker 11 (and/or InDesign if it is used) and PDF/HTML tools.
• Be willing to consider “per-paper” compensation (not hours spent) based on length, etc.
• Must meet pre-agreed deliverable schedules for each project for each paper separately.
• Must use fonts that we have on our systems so that we can edit the documents later.
• Must create and use a template that we can re-use for future edits ourselves, if necessary.
• A good engineering background is preferred and/or prior writing experience with technical white papers. Knowledge of cellular or wireless or telephony would be very nice!

If you are interested:

Please email samples of your writing for consideration, ideally technical white papers. No calls, please.
Please also estimate what you would charge for each sample as if it were compensated on a “per-paper” basis.

Apr. 15, 2013 STC Richard Smith Netflix by DJ Cline.