Got back from Arizona, and what happens? A cold hits, and when I get sick, motivation gets lost along with my ability to breathe. So after being missing in action last week, I had to catch up on RSS feeds again. So here’s a sampler of some good stuff I came across.

Protecting Your Copyrighted Content

Lorelle on WordPress has a post on what to do when your Web content is stolen. Through WordPress tracking pingbacks, I’ve noticed that a few of my posts have been referenced on a hodgepodge site that, while linking back to my site, claims that some person with an inconspicuous handle wrote the post. I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to put forth the effort to kick up a ruckus about it. (Note that Lorelle’s post is a couple of years old but ever relevant. I came across it because it was linked to in a Blog Herald post.)

Close, But No Cigar

From the helpstuff blog, a reminder to think about how the little decisions you make in your documentation may cause confusion for the reader. One point of confusion can ruin what would otherwise be a perfect set of instructions.

Wookiees and Technical Writing?

Craig’s HelpScribe post about why Wookiees (from the Star Wars films) would make terrible technical writers was a wacky enough look at our profession that it demanded a read. Aside from the post itself, I think this is a great example of taking a unique look at the profession. (Though if you’re thinking about tech writing while watching Star Wars, you probably need an extended vacation…)

Green Documentation

No, I’m not talking about the color scheme of your help system or quick-start guide. Scott at Communications from DMN talked about trying to use as little paper as possible in your tech comm work. I think printed materials are especially appropriate when a product has absolutely nothing to do with a computer. If I’m putting together a desk, I don’t want a URL for instructions. First, it’s easy to move a booklet or fold-out sheet around if I have to move around, and second, I’m putting the desk together so I have somewhere to set up my computer, so it’s not hooked up yet! It’s going overboard to put everything online and assume that everyone has Internet access. In some cases, the portability and ease of use of printed instructions wins.

That’s it for today. What should I be motivated to do next?