The single most important change in the nature of documentation in the last few years has been the use of online media. While a distributed debate rages on about whether online formats will sound (have sounded) the death knell for printed documentation, both camps offer compelling pros and cons that cannot be ignored. In the software industry, particularly in the area of software development services, documentation increasingly tends towards online formats. The reasons for such change include the need to cut costs, reduce inventory, be environment friendly, and provide a medium that offers quicker change management, dynamic version control, and easier information retrieval. The key change here, is that we more often deliver printable documentation than printed documents. This change has had a telling impact on what we expect from a document in terms of readability, navigation, and retention of content.

Indus has primarily been a printable online document, delivered in PDF format. From this issue onward, Indus will also be cloned as a webzine. This medium presents numerous exciting possibilities. We’ll let you find out all about it, and get back to us with your feedback, suggestions and contributions, as always.

This issue of Indus is probably the best yet, for this year. The features in this edition are based on the theme of usability. Carol Barnum, Dr. Carel Jansen, Rob Houser, Prashant Natarajan, Joel Sklar, Neeraj Bhatia, and Jeff Johnson, share their deep-rooted convictions on the theme. From why technical communicators are the ideal usability advocates, to usability FAQs… the articles discuss the issue threadbare from various aspects. Busting a popular myth with well-researched data, Dr. Jansen provides inspiration for those of us who take pride in the value proposition our profession has to offer. Jeff, Joe, and Neeraj chart out a map with some helpful tips, to help us do our thing without falling into terminology traps, accessibility issues, and weak documentation strategy. Rob advocates a direct, unpretentious approach that goes a step beyond advocating the use of natural language, and Natarajan addresses some straightforward questions on the topic, besides recommending some useful books and online resources.

This issue also has the usual roundup of STC activity, and news of what has happened, and is to come. If you enjoy this issue, seriously consider being a part of the STC community worldwide, where these and other such subjects are what the STC is about. Also please forward the link to those you feel will benefit from reading this newsletter.

Do ping us with your feedback and inputs. Looking forward to hearing from you.

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