Technical Writing/Editing: Pain or Pleasure

I have noticed a few things about technical writing in Saskatoon, and Saskatchewan in general.
First, there aren’t very many of us in Saskatoon…especially not freelancers or tech writing companies…compared with Calgary, for example.
Second, most people still think a technical writer writes about “technical stuff”–electronics, software, IT, mechanical, etc., which is only partly true, some of the time.
Third, most people here don’t think of writing as something you would contract out. Usually they either have the “anyone can write” perspective, or they look at it as a necessary evil and do as little of it as possible.
I’m trying to change that, to show businesses that there is value and ROI in getting a professional to write their user manuals, policies, procedures, case studies, white papers, etc.
I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on this.

Presenting at the SWWA Conference

Yes, I know it’s short notice, but I hope we will get a chance to meet you at the Saskatchewan Water and Wastewater Association conference on November 3 to 6 in Saskatoon. We don’t have a trade show booth this time around but we will certainly be there, mingling and trying to learn more about the industry.

If you are already signed up for the conference you may know that we will be presenting twice. On Wednesday morning at 10:40 am we’ll be presenting “Developing Plant Documentation”, a 45 minute technical session that will provide an overview of the considerations and processes involved in creating operations manuals, SOPs and other documents. We’ll approach the subject from the perspective of lessons we have learned in real life project situations.

On Thursday, Nov 5 at 1:00 pm we will be presenting Introduction to Building Procedures with the SOP Toolkit. This 3 hour workshop picks up from the technical session and explores how to use our SOP Toolkit to get you started in creating standard operating procedures.

Hope to see you there!

News: Now located at Innovation Place, Saskatoon

We’re pleased to announce that we are now settled into our new office at Innovation Place (102F 116 Research Drive, Saskatoon).

An interior view of the Concourse Building, near RCJC offices

Innovation Place was recently named the 2009 Outstanding Research Park by the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) in recognition of their role in supporting the growth of science and technology related economic development.

Our new location will support several new initiatives that we are currently implementing. As we incorporate new clients and additional staff, and embark on our new marketing plan, we expect the move to enhance the services we can offer.