Writers block at work? Learn from tech authors’ struggles and successes.
In a recent survey, 69 tech writers said they often experience “blocked” periods of time when it’s difficult to write.
How writing straightens out your decision frame (video)
It seems that writing our rationale for a decision helps us make that decision objectively. What evidence is there for
How does the framing effect warp our business decisions? (video)
The way that options are presented shapes the choice we make. Even insurance professionals take more or less risk depending on the way a situation is framed. Is there a way to make more grounded decisions?
Take notes as online help for your creative future self
What do you do with your new ideas? The connections and sparks that pop to mind when you’re in the shower; in a presentation; on a bus.
You’ve been had. The passive voice was never bad.
“Avoid it”, the style guides write, “unless you really know what you are doing”. The implication is you don’t.
Minor Semantics
Microsoft Word now puts its wiggly line under two spaces in a row. A lot of people are happy, and I’m happy that they’re happy, because maybe “semantic authoring” in a small sense is taking root.
Modern metadata through a DITA lens
Modern ways of using metadata connect groups, countries, and organizations. Structured content such as DITA XML provides powerful ways to work with this metadata, but also challenges.
Why “Minimalism” doesn’t mean “plain writing”
John Carroll’s sound instructional principles became known as Minimalism — a term that would frequently be mistaken for the idea of just writing less.
How to get (at least some) work done
When I need to get a particular piece of writing or other work done, and I’m putting it off because it’s difficult (or I’m making it difficult), I’ve found that this simple process helps a lot.
Structured Content Meets Taxonomy: Webinar Recording
“For truly futureproof content, we need to write well, use structural markers, and associate our chunks of information with external data.”
Recording of a joint webinar with PoolParty’s Andreas Blumauer.
Managing XML in Git or Mercurial? Watch out for your merges
Using line-based diff and merge tools can result in invalid files or missing content. XML-aware merge tools avoid these problems.
Data states, writing illuminates 