It’s that time of year again, when we look back at the year that was — as individuals, as families, as professionals, and as citizens of the world. A time for reflection, for re-assessment, analysis, retrospection and introspection. A time to look at how much of the potential that the beginning of the year promised, was turned into success and achievement, how much was re-invested in future potential, and how much went waste. A time to face facts, come to terms with ground realities, to distill wisdom from our cup of experience.

The facts have been excellent in some ways. This has been a great year for technical communicators in India. This year saw unprecedented hiring of technical communicators all over. Going by the number of job postings on discussion lists, newspapers, job-related websites and the fact that our profile is now a hot item with most serious head-hunting firms, the corporate world seems to have woken up to the value addition that we represent.

Technical communicators are breaking out of the ‘textual healer’ stereotype to make waves as information architects, information managers, usability experts, quality auditors, and in some rare cases, business consultants. Fewer people ask us what we do. More of them ask us to do something for them. Their expectations are high, specific. ADD VALUE.

We are that layer of abstraction between complex engineering implementation, and real world functional requirements. We bridge the chasm between machines and human beings. Between solutions/products and users.

We help people achieve. We flatten learning curves. We articulate esoteric concepts and morph techno-babble into laypersons’ lingo. We help make excellent products more productive by hacking down time-to-market and time-to-productivity. WE ADD VALUE.

The best part is that we do this using an everyday tool — communication. One of the reasons that our profession was not fully appreciated in the past, is that everybody we meet in the workplace thinks they can do what we do. Over time, if we’re good at what we do, they learn the difference between communication, and effective communication. They learn the value of Clarity, Consistency, and Correctness, the three C’s of communication. 

That’s the theme of the features in this issue.

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 this link to those you feel will benefit from reading this newsletter.

Do ping us with your feedback and inputs.

Looking forward to seeing you at the fourth STC India Annual Conference.

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