STC Montreal » STC-Montreal Event http://stc-montreal.org/en The source for technical communicators in Montreal Wed, 28 Jul 2010 01:05:37 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 STC-Montreal Spring Banquet 2010 http://stc-montreal.org/en/2010/05/30/stc-montreal-spring-banquet-2010/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2010/05/30/stc-montreal-spring-banquet-2010/#comments Sun, 30 May 2010 16:32:59 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=1777 Just because the nice weather is upon us doesn’t mean that we stop thinking about the STC! Help us celebrate the coming of summer, the vitality of our organization and fraternity with fellow communicators by attending the 2010 STC Summer Banquet at Restaurant l’Académie on June 9. Everyone is welcome – you don’t need to be an STC member to participate!

In addition to the exquisite cuisine and merriment we always associate with our banquets, there will be games, door prizes and an awards ceremony recognizing members who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to promoting technical communication, learning and the STC as a whole.

We are looking forward to a fun-filled evening and hope to see you with us.

Bring your own wine (no other alcohol beverages than wine)

Please RSVP by Monday, June 7, 2010.

When and Where

When: Wednesday, June 9, 2010 / 7:00 pm

Where: Restaurant l’Académie, 2100 Crescent Street, Montreal (Google Maps)

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2010/05/30/stc-montreal-spring-banquet-2010/feed/ 4 Instant Web Site: How to Build a Great Portfolio Site in a Day http://stc-montreal.org/en/2010/04/26/instant-web-site-how-to-build-a-great-portfolio-site-in-a-day/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2010/04/26/instant-web-site-how-to-build-a-great-portfolio-site-in-a-day/#comments Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:42:19 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=1681 The web has transformed every freelance writer into a self-marketer. We all feel pressured to promote our own work, but often we think we don’t have the technical or artistic skills to make a web site that can wow a prospective employer. Many of us hang back, afraid to try. And we miss opportunities.

Join our presenter Jim Royal on May 5, 2010 and learn how to take advantage of exciting web technologies that you can use to build a clean, professional portfolio website in a matter of hours.

This presentation is especially for freelance writers, or for anyone who wants create their own professional-looking web presence.

What Will I Learn?

  • How to choose web hosting
  • How to install and set up Wordpress
  • How to select a Wordpress theme that works for your portfolio and personal style
  • How to create pages, and provide site navigation
  • How to do basic customization of a Wordpress theme

Included with the presentation is access to a live Wordpress sample site that you can log in to after the event and examine for yourself.

When and Where

When: Wednesday, May 5th, 2010 / 7:00–9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm for schmoozing)

Where: Le Nouvel Hotel, 1740 René-Lévesque West, Montreal (Metro Guy) (Google Maps)

Cost: Free for members of STC-Montreal. $5 for other STC members. $10 for non-members.

About Jim Royal

Jim Royal is a communications expert. A technical writer, photographer, information designer, and web designer, Jim has 17 years of experience in technical communication. He has a long-term relationship with STC-Montreal; he is a past president and currently the chapter’s webmaster. His personal website is jimroyal.com.

Download the presentation

download_arrow Download the Presentation (PDF format, 4.6 MB)

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2010/04/26/instant-web-site-how-to-build-a-great-portfolio-site-in-a-day/feed/ 4 STC March Meeting and State of the Union Address http://stc-montreal.org/en/2010/02/27/stc-march-meeting-and-state-of-the-union-address/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2010/02/27/stc-march-meeting-and-state-of-the-union-address/#comments Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:28:21 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=1591 Want to know what’s up with the Society for Technical Communication?

Are you a technical writer? Do you want to be a technical writer? Then STC-Montreal’s March Meeting is the place to have a drink, schmooze, and learn more.

A special welcome to all of the students who attended the recent job fair at Concordia University!

STC-Montreal President Everett Larsen will give a brief report about the state of the Montreal chapter and the organization as a whole. He will also talk about how to use social networking tools to market yourself.

When and Where

When: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 — 7 p.m.

Where: Pub Alexandre (second floor) — 1454 Peel, Montreal (Google Maps)

Cost: No cover charge.

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2010/02/27/stc-march-meeting-and-state-of-the-union-address/feed/ 15 Online Survey: STC and You http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/12/13/online-survey-stc-and-you/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/12/13/online-survey-stc-and-you/#comments Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:09:04 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=1365 Help us determine how best to continue to serve you throughout 2010 by completing this brief 10-question survey. It will only take you a moment, and your input is vital in helping us plan for the next season of STC Montreal activities.

When you participate, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a keychain digital photo viewer that can display up to 70 images. Complete the poll and provide your email address in order to enter the raffle.

Click to take the survey now.

The survey closes Monday, December 21, 2009. The winner of the raffle will be announced shortly thereafter.

Thanks for your feedback!

Everett Larsen, President
Charles Roburn, Vice President
Rolf Hecken, Treasurer
Ming Sabourin, Secretary

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/12/13/online-survey-stc-and-you/feed/ 0 Christmas Banquet 2009 http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/11/27/christmas-banquet-2009/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/11/27/christmas-banquet-2009/#comments Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:13:10 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=1320 Come celebrate the holidays with those who share your passion for perfect predicates, coherent diction and quiet conviction for the written word: The STC-Montreal Christmas Banquet is Dec. 9, 2009!

This year’s STC Christmas Banquet will be held at Antico Martini, a fine local restaurant serving traditional Italian fare. Enjoy a delectable spread of authentic cuisine in a comfortable dining environment. Enjoy a friendly, fun-filled evening with colleagues.

A tantalizing group menu has been planned for us:

  • Soup
  • Salad
  • Choice of chicken, pasta, salmon or scaloppini as a main course
  • Coffee or tea
  • Dessert

Price: $32.95 per person, tax and tip not included.

Please RSVP (rsvp [at] stc-montreal [dot] org) to us by Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

When and Where

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Antico Martini Restaurant. 6450 Somerled Avenue, Montreal (Google Maps)

Directions: From the Villa-Maria subway station, take Bus #102 to Somerled @ Borden

Photos From the Event

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/11/27/christmas-banquet-2009/feed/ 3 Expert Tips for Gaining Feedback http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/11/18/expert-tips-for-gaining-feedback/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/11/18/expert-tips-for-gaining-feedback/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:52:29 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=1309 Gaining valuable feedback on our work and projects is essential – yet often easier said than done. Join us on November 24th and learn as Jon Druker, Knowledge Manager at SAP, shares practical feedback tips he uses to increase the quality and success of technical communication projects in his organization.

What You Will Learn

  • Methods of getting feedback, the pros & cons
  • How to run a feedback campaign
  • The “sticky quotient” of feedback – beyond getting cooperation

About Jon Druker

A native Montrealer, Jon Druker finished his undergraduate degree in German at Queen’s University and later completed a post-graduate degree in translation at the University of Mainz in Germersheim, Germany. His translation career started at SAP in Germany where he worked several years before moving to Toronto, Canada. At that time, Jon worked as a technical writer for several companies, contributing to interface design and creating a variety of documentation for multiple audiences. More recently, Jon returned to Montreal where he worked as a localization manager at SDL before joining SAP where he currently manages a group of information developers.

When and Where

When: Tuesday, November 24th, 2009, 7:00–9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm for schmoozing)

Where: Le Nouvel Hotel, 1740 René-Lévesque West, Montreal (Metro Guy) (Google Maps)

Cost: Free for members of STC-Montreal. $5 for other STC members. $10 for non-members.

Download the presentation

download_arrow Download the Presentation (PDF format, 152KB)

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/11/18/expert-tips-for-gaining-feedback/feed/ 1 STC Annual Wine & Cheese Schmooze! http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/09/03/stc-annual-wine-cheese-schmooze/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/09/03/stc-annual-wine-cheese-schmooze/#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:52:48 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=1140 Start the STC season on the right note. Join your colleagues and friends on Monday, September 21 for a cold drink and cool jazz at Le Cabaret.

Do you want to meet other technical writers? Do you want to hire a technical writer? Or become one yourself? This event is open to the public so drop by.

Update: Photos from the event are available here.

When and Where

When: Monday, September 21, 2009, 6:30–9:00pm

Where:
Le Cabaret Piano Bar at Hôtel de la Montagne
1430 rue de la Montagne, Montréal
Between Peel and Guy metro, parking nearby
Directions (Google Maps).

Cost: No fee at the door, pay for your food and drinks; open to all.

Photos from the Event

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/09/03/stc-annual-wine-cheese-schmooze/feed/ 4 STC-Montreal Spring Banquet 2009 http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/06/02/stc-montreal-spring-banquet-2009/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/06/02/stc-montreal-spring-banquet-2009/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:39:00 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=974 Come join us at Café Saigon on June 17 for delicious Vietnamese dishes. Eat, drink, and network.

Café Saigon makes some of the best spring rolls in Montreal, and their peanut sauce is so good you’ll be pouring it into the center of the roll before each bite. All at reasonable prices. The music is Galaxie ambient; note the big golden Oscar near the door.

Update: We’ll also be presenting the awards for the STC-Montreal Technical Publications Competition at the banquet. The award-winning entries will be on display.

This is a BYOW resto; if you wish to pick up wine, the SAQ at the corner is open until 7p.m.

This restaurant accepts cash only, no cards. ATM on the premises.

Please RSVP by email before June 10, 2009 to help us estimate the turnout in advance. All are welcome. Door prizes for STC members.

When and Where

When: Wednesday, June 17, starting at 6:30–7:00

Where: Café Saigon, 1280 St. André
Metro: Just East of Berri Metro, South of St. Catherine
Find Café Saigon on Google Maps.

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/06/02/stc-montreal-spring-banquet-2009/feed/ 1 Double Header: “STC-Montreal Town Hall” & “Our Friends, the Programmers” http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/05/13/double-header-event-our-friends-the-programmers-and-stc-montreal-town-hall/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/05/13/double-header-event-our-friends-the-programmers-and-stc-montreal-town-hall/#comments Wed, 13 May 2009 21:52:40 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=857 Join us on May 25, 2009 for an exciting double event:

Two events for the price of one!

STC-Montreal Town Hall

May 25, 2009 is your opportunity to speak out with your peers.

Come tell us what you need and want from STC and from your chapter. Also, come and meet the candidates for next year’s Administrative Council as well as the current and incoming volunteers.

Financially, STC-Montreal is strong and stable — but more challenging times may be ahead. We want to continue providing services that are of value to you but in this economic climate, we need to consider how every penny is spent.

We need your input more than ever. We need your suggestions and your participation if STC-Montreal is to continue to thrive and grow.

If you have any specific questions or issues you want addressed at the Town Hall meeting, please write a comment below or send an e-mail to president [at] stc-montreal [dot] org.

Our Friends, the Programmers

If you are a technical communicator who writes about software, programmers must provide much of the information you need, and programmers must review your documents.

But programmers are a breed apart. Intelligent, high strung and skittish, programmers often bolt or become mulish when brought face to face with a technical writer, even ones bearing chocolate chip cookies.

This presentation by Manuel Gordon will give you insight into what makes programmers tick, and suggestions for how to adapt your working style to theirs.

Topics include:

  • How programmers think.
  • How programmers like to work.
  • How programmers like to communicate.
  • Two different ways that programmers view their projects
  • Finding the right programmers.
  • How to motivate programmers.
  • What you can give programmers that they can’t find elsewhere.
  • What you must learn.
  • How you must adapt.

If you can make it there, you’ll make it anywhere

Manny’s talk was a hit in New York City.

“Manuel Gordon … delved into the mindset and thinking of programmers and suggested ways to establish and maintain an effective communication channel with them, all with a tinge of humor.

“One factor that made this session stand out was the interactive nature of it. The audience participation was impressive….”

Radhika Menon, STC NY Metro News
Volume 2, Issue2, May/June 2008

About Manuel Gordon

Manuel Gordon is a very technical writer whose specialties include documenting software development kits (SDKs) and complex, server-based software. A partner in Gordon & Gordon, Manny was recognized as an Associate Fellow of the STC in 2005.

On Monday, May 25th STC Montreal will be holding its 2009 Town Hall meeting, to be followed by a presentation entitled ‘Our Friends, the Programmers…’ by Manuel Gordon.

When and Where

When: Monday, May 25th, 2009, 7:00–9:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)

Where: Le Nouvel Hotel, 1740 René-Lévesque West, Montreal (Metro Guy). Directions (Google Maps)

Cost: Free for members of STC-Montreal. $5 for other STC members. $10 for non-members.

Photos From the Event

Poppy Quintal, President Manuel Gordon, elections committee Everett Larsen, candidate for President Charles Roburn, candidate for Vice-President Paul Giovanetti, candidate for Treasurer Ming Sabourin, candidate for Secretary ]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/05/13/double-header-event-our-friends-the-programmers-and-stc-montreal-town-hall/feed/ 1 Effective eLearning Design Principles http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/01/21/effective-elearning-design-principles/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/01/21/effective-elearning-design-principles/#comments Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:26:46 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=320 Come join us as Mélanie Sisley, an accomplished e-learning designer, discusses the theory and practice behind effective e-learning design and basic design principles for self-contained online modules.

Note: the location of this event has changed from our regular spot in downtown Montreal.

Learning online is becoming increasingly common and consequently more relevant for technical communicators. Sit back and learn while Mélanie shares numerous examples of online pedagogical activities as well as the process involved in becoming an e-learning designer.

What you will learn

  • Current scope of e-learning: LMS, Web 2.0, forums, virtual worlds, YouTube, online modules
  • How the design process differs from the learning process
  • Approaches for successful elearning design
  • Effective theory- and growth-type activities

About Mélanie Sisley

Mélanie is a teacher by trade who has been working in the field of interactive media for 10 years. Her entry into online instruction began with the addition of elearning to her English high school curriculum and she has since designed instructional media for scientific journalism and corporate training. Mélanie’s notable achievements include a series of elearning modules for McGill University’s agriculture department, distance education modules for the pharmaceutical industry and blended online training packages for Alcan, Bell Canada, Yellow Pages and Bombardier. More recently she has led projects for PBS Kids premium site, National Geographic, Warner Bros and M. D. Anderson Cancer Institute.

Mélanie has previously spoken at Canadian Society for Training and Development (CSTD) and l’Université de Montréal (Journalism for the Web) events. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in teaching English as a second language, a certificate in technical communication and is currently completing a Master’s degree in governance, leadership and management.

When and Where

When: Thursday, March 19th, 2009 / 7:00–9:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm for schmoozing)

Where: Hotel Ruby Foo’s, 7655 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal (Metro Namur). Google Maps.

Entrance Fee: Free for members of STC-Montreal. $5 for other STC members. $10 for non-members.

Download the presentation

download_arrow Download the Presentation (PDF format, 2.8 MB)

Photos from the presentation

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/01/21/effective-elearning-design-principles/feed/ 4 InDesign CS4 for Technical Writers http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/01/21/indesign-cs4-for-technical-writers/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/01/21/indesign-cs4-for-technical-writers/#comments Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:22:47 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=313 Come join us as Daniel Guay of Documedia shares many productivity-enhancing features in the latest release of Adobe InDesign.

Adobe has made continuous improvements to InDesign over the years resulting in the powerful print and digital publishing tool it is today. Geared for technical writers, this seminar will address both current users as well as others who would like to learn more about InDesign’s capabilities.

What you will learn:

  • Advanced Find/Change for applying formatting changes
  • Creating styles for quick and consistent formatting of text, tables and objects
  • Using Adobe Bridge for managing content including images, text and other objects
  • Using variables
  • Applying InDesign’s book features for publishing multi-chapter books
  • Troubleshooting InDesign files using Preflight
  • Creating PDF files and preflighting them in Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro

About Daniel Guay

As Vice-President of Marketing and Co-Founder of Documedia, Daniel Guay has over 12 years experience in development and training in the field of print and web publishing. Daniel specializes in publishing paper documents and digital files into online formats such as Adobe PDF, HTML and XML for use on the Web, intranets and CD-ROM. Prior to Documedia, Daniel was Manager/Instructor for a software training firm in Ottawa and Montreal. He was also a partner in Ridley Associates, a firm specializing in intranet application development and online document publishing. Daniel is an Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe Acrobat, Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe GoLive, and he has mastered numerous other software and technologies related to the Web.

When and Where

When: Thursday, February 26th, 2009 / 7:00–9:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm for schmoozing)

Where: Le Nouvel Hotel, 1740 René-Lévesque West, Montreal (Metro Guy).

Entrance Fee: Free for members of STC-Montreal. $5 for other STC members. $10 for non-members.

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/01/21/indesign-cs4-for-technical-writers/feed/ 6 Podcasting Tips for Technical Communicators http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/01/12/podcasting-tips-for-technical-communicators/ http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/01/12/podcasting-tips-for-technical-communicators/#comments Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:38:27 +0000 Jim Royal http://stc-montreal.org/en/?p=279 What does podcasting have to do with technical communication? As it turns out, a great deal.

Technical communicators are using much more than the written word to inform and teach audiences. Come learn as Ahmed Ibrahim — educational technology aficionado — discusses practical tips and uses for podcasting gleaned from both his PhD research in Learning Sciences and consulting experience for variety of firms in the area of technical communication.

What you will learn:

  • Advantages and limitations of podcasting in the field of technical communication
  • 10 tips for producing highly effective podcasts

About Ahmed Ibrahim

Ahmed Ibrahim is currently working on his Ph.D. in the field of Learning Sciences at McGill University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and Master’s degree in computer engineering. Ahmed has worked as a consultant for companies including K&M, General Dynamics, PerspectiveNYC, Inc. and eLearning Innovations, and managed a web design firm in Montreal for two years before starting his Ph.D. His education and work experience are fueled by an avid interest in human learning processes, technical communication, and the use of technology in both education and communication. Ahmed is a member of STC-Montreal.

When and Where

When: Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 / 7:00–9:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm for schmoozing)

Where: Le Nouvel Hotel, 1740 René-Lévesque West, Montreal (Metro Guy).

Entrance Fee: Free for members of STC-Montreal. $5 for other STC members. $10 for non-members.

Download the Presentation

Download the presentation (PDF 892 KB)

Photos from the Event

]]> http://stc-montreal.org/en/2009/01/12/podcasting-tips-for-technical-communicators/feed/ 5