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[Podcast] Moving 50,000 Pages of Unstructured Content to DITA
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Having the Whole World in Focus
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Three Short Weeks to Wiki Adoption
Gentle Assertations that Authentic Conversations are Successful Conversations
Davis Pulls Back the Curtains on Motivation Behind Software Purchasing Decisions
Going Boldly Where No Structure Has Gone Before
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Adobe Technical Communication Suite - Getting Started Videos
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across Systems: Only Remaining Independent Provider for Translation Management Software
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Technorati - Test Posting (Please ignore)
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Visit the New ITtoolbox Vendor Research Directory
Reality Check: The Content Wrangler Interview With Noz Ubina, Mekon UK
Investment in Quality Pays Huge Dividends
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Adobe Technical Communication Blog
Author-it Becomes Platinum Sponsor of DocTrain West 2008

Gentle Assertations that Authentic Conversations are Successful Conversations
Ann Gentle says she had an “ah ha” moment at the SXSW conference when listening to a social media metrics presenter discuss three types of measurable conversations: Public Relations, Marketing (Sales), and Customer Support.
So what turns the production of a content deliverable into a conversation? Gentle sees the future of technical communication being less about doing primary product research and creating help, and more about moderating support forums, separating the useful content from the chaff, and using blogs as a documentation platform.
The value of documentation in blog format is the ability to have a dynamic conversation with customers, current and potential, to address ongoing technical issues, and to show organizational interest in their customers. Gentle realizes that the shift from a dry, minimalist technical writing style to a more conversational blogging style takes some courage and getting used to. For a thoughtful discussion on the topic, visit her Just Write Click blog.


