Lone Writersí SIG Manager Information Describe the purpose of the SIG and your role in approx. 50 words. The Lone Writers SIG provides an avenue of professional education and support to writers who are the sole technical writers for their organizations. We meet monthly to discuss issues relevant to all technical communications, but will focus on the challenges of being a lone writer. How many hours of your time per month does your role require? Two or three hours--depends on how many people attend, and how easy it is to line up speakers. Where do you typically meet? Elmers Pancake and Steak House 3455 SW Cedar Hills Blvd Beaverton, OR (It's near the Beaverton Mall) Who do you contact at this location to make arrangements? How far in advance do you call to arrange meeting facilities? At least 24 hours. It got to the point where we were on their books for the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and then I just had to call in with the RSVP count by noon of the meeting day. Do you provide refreshments for the meetings? If so, what? Refreshments are not provided, but people can order dinner if the'd like. What is the meeting charge for STC members and non-members? Typically it's just been the cost of their food and drink. If someone did not eat, I'd ask that they pitch in a dollar towards the tip. When do you meet? (i.e., 3rd Tues. of each month; no July/August/December meetings) 2nd Wednesday of each month. Currently on hiatus until a new manager is found. Who are the last 3 managers of this SIG? (Please list the years when they served.) This was the first year for the SIG. Managers for the 1999-2000 council year were Christine Champeaux and Rachel Houghton. What suggestions or tips do you have for future managers of this SIG? --Be sure to post announcements about the meeting on the announcements list--provides a much larger attendance for meetings. --Try to find topics that are especially relevant to Lone Writers. It's also helpful if the speaker is, or has been, a Lone Writer. Which meeting topics haven't drawn many people? Time Management Which meeting topics have been especially popular? Interviewing SMEs Please list all the months/topics of this season's meetings. 1999-2000 Meeting Topics: September--Kickoff meeting (discussed possible topics for future meetings, and spent a little time on standards/procedures) October--Time Management November--Editing Your Own Work December--no meeting January--no meeting (was going to be Creating Doc Plans) February--Interviewing SMEs March--Usability (From Tech Writer to Usability Guru) April--on hiatus May--on hiatus until new manager is found June--on hiatus until new manager is found July--on hiatus until new manager is found August--on hiatus until new manager is found Do you have any meeting ideas that you have in reserve, but didn't have time to implement? -Creating Doc Plans -Tools for Technical Writers (i.e. digital cameras, etc) -Tips and Tricks for using the favored software tools (FrameMaker, RoboHelp, etc) In the space below, please provide a sample or template of your standard meeting announcement. (sample) Date/Time: Wednesday March 15, 2000 6:30 pm Location: Elmers Pancake and Steak House 3455 SW Cedar Hills Blvd Beaverton, OR Cost: Your food & drinks Contact: Christine Champeaux Rachel Houghton Come join us as Dick Miller, an STC member and local usability guru, shares his experiences on making the transition from technical writer to usability expert. He will talk about usability in general (which involves more than just usability testing) and how one can practice "Guerilla Usability" by sneaking usability into other activities, such as technical writing, in order to add value for one's customers. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Christine Champeaux or Rachel Houghton by March 13.