Copyright Curses

7
August 20, 2010
by Mariann

Due to advances in technology, copyright infringement has become a big issue in the last decade or so. It has effected in manya ways how writers use technology and media. Most causal blogger’s, myself included, now include a copyright notice on their blogs and are careful to only post images and such that we have the rights to use.  All to avoid getting sued and get credit for our work.

I stumbled upon a post today (via slashdot) by Carl Pyrdum of Got Medieval that included some of the curses that used to be found in medieval books. I think these “copyright” notices might work better.

Pencil writing

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I am the Gate Keeper!!

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July 28, 2010
by Mariann

As I was reading Tom Johnson’s latest post at idratherbewriting.com and Sara O’Keefe’s guest post at pegmulligan.com about the changing role of the content gate keeper, it got to thinking.

I agree that the role of technical communicator/writer as a gate keeper has changed in the last few years. When I begin my career as a technical writer (2000-2001), the thing customers got and wanted was printed copies of the user manual. Now they have access to help files, faqs, forums, and other content. Much of this material is not controlled by a gate keeper. And much of it shouldn’t be controlled by a gate keeper.

My major roles as a technical communicator is get the user the best information in a timely fashion. In addition to this role, I am also a producer of material that reflects my employers image and reputation. This is where the lack of a gate keeper can be an issue. If users are getting material about the product in a manner that seems lazy or cheap (badly written, badly formatted), it reflects on the company.  Most of us don’t mind annoying or cheap packing on an inexpensive product, but if I’m spending a lot of money on a product and the packaging is cheap, I have less faith in the product. For example, if I went and bought a brand new Lexus and the dealer handed me a stack of cheaply copied pages stabled together as an owner’s manual, I would wonder if I’m buying my car from a legit company.

So, there is my 2 cents …. Anybody know where the Key Master is??

Pencil writing

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Following the Wagon Ruts—Random Post

6
July 20, 2010
by Mariann

I’ve been trying to keep this blog talking about training, writing, and geek things, but sometimes I’m struck by something off topic and rather random that I want to write. This post is on of them.

I spent three days of last week with a large group of teenagers as they hiked and pushed hand carts with their gear. No, this wasn’t some sort of punishment and all came willingly (though some took prodding from their parents). This was a sort of re-enactment of the Mormon handcart pioneers journey across the plains some 150 or so years ago.

I was part of the support staff, just there to help and run some activities. I didn’t have to go through the strain and struggle that the youth did as they push and pulled their carts up the hills. I was amazed by their strength and energy. They seems to conquer the hills by running up them. There was no dropping out, no quitting, they where going to make it to the end.

One the first day of the trek, after finishing an activity, I had to hike on my own for a time to catch up with the group. I had a vague idea where I was going, but I wasn’t completely sure and had never been on this trail before. As I glanced on the trail for some sort of landmark or footprints, I saw the wagon ruts left by the hand carts. These told me I was on the right path and going the right direction.

It occurred to me later that my ancestors left behind “wagon ruts” for me to follow to. I have American pioneer (Mormon and non) ancestors on both sides of my family. I have ancestors that came to the US via boat and others that journeyed to the western US in wagons. They all make these journeys to find a better life for themselves and eventually their children. I am impressed by their perseverance and strength. Their courage and fortitude to strive for the better and finish the journey, pushes me to move forward and make my life better, along with the lives of those around me.

I am named after one of these pioneers and I’ve always felt that I had to live up to her name. Now, I know I can follow her example too. I am honored to have their “wagon ruts” to follow.

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Presentations vs Training

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July 1, 2010
by Mariann

I thought this week I would go back to the heart of this blog and go over some thought I’ve been having. When I first started creating online learning materials I was a pretty novice PowerPoint user.  I took a training class and began researching different presentation techniques since PowerPoint is my primary tool for creating online learning materials. It occurred to me that maybe not all the presentations techniques cross over into online learning.

I’ve been implementing some of the techniques from Cliff Atkinson’s Beyond Bullet Points book into my online learning development and so far it has been a success. By forcing myself to only use bullets when absolutely necessary, I have taken more time to create better graphics, take additional photos, and write better narration. Though I am still not sure if the technique on its own makes better online learning material or if the restrictions make the developer, in this case me, find better ways then just bullets.

Though the technique of storytelling in presentations, mentioned by Cliff Atkinson and many others, does not seem to fit well into online learning. I have found that anything that distracts from the items to be learned can annoy the learner and distract from the material. Especially in an online setting, the attention span of the learner is short and the learner has the ability to fast forward when they feel the material is not applicable to them potentially missing something important.

So I guess all presentation techniques don’t apply to online learning, but I still think it is a good place to look for ideas that might enhance the online learning experience. What do you think?

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Trailer —Its out

1
June 28, 2010
by Mariann

Here is the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Trailer:

Thanks to Leaky Cauldron and MSN

Want other sizes or formats, go to the films website

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