TechComm for Life

TweetFirst, let’s get one thing straight: A Readme is usually a Release Note or Release Notes. Readme filenames used to be called, and sometimes still are, README (no file extension). When I see “readme” I used to assume that the file contained some important information that I must read before I install the software. These [...]

TweetRecently I was given the task to create a product demonstration using a sales presentation created by someone else. The presentation contained screenshots showing the full process of how to achieve certain actions—it was like a live demo without the mouse movements and clicks. I had to turn this presentation into a video. There were [...]

Tweet“Who should do the training? The trainer, one of our consultants, or the tech writer?” The answer to this question varies from company to company. Some typical arguments are: Trainers – You need professional trainers skilled in both the construction of engaging courses and training material, as well as who have the ability to conduct [...]

TweetI have settled upon a certain style for screenshots for inclusion in both Word documents and RoboHelp help topics. This includes adding a fade-to-transparent gradient for any sides that have been cut. Screenshots should be cut so as to exclude information that is irrelevant, or to conserve space. For example, if I wanted to explain [...]

TweetWhen I was at university in the 1990s, a lot of talk centered on the significance of the communications revolution: How it was changing the way the economy and businesses worked, and how it would bring the world closer together. Today, the communications revolution has not ended, it is continuing, and I believe Twitter is [...]