Archive for 'Writing'
The most interesting technical writer in the world
Posted on11. Jan, 2012 by Melanie.
Inspired by the IA Summit Library’s post on The Most Valuable UX Person in the World, I recently initiated my own round of “The Most Valuable Technical Writer in the World” with my co-workers. It didn’t really catch on. But I did succeed in amusing myself. And now, ladies and gentlemen, the Most Interesting Technical [...]
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Stop Obsessing About Typos—Your Users Need Help
Posted on22. Apr, 2011 by Melanie.
Imagine, if you will, a conversation: Joe: Hey Sam, can you take a look at this new form for our website? I need your wordsmithing expertise. Sam: Sure, buddy. Joe: Great. Here are my questions. Should “Shipping Policy” be capitalized in “Read our Shipping Policy for more details”? Also, should we italicize it, since it’s [...]
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The Accidental Writer: Great Web Copy for Everyone
Posted on12. Apr, 2011 by Melanie.
I survived! I actually gave a talk in front of other humans and lived to tell the tale. The Accidental Writer: Great Web Copy for Everyone Thanks to everyone who came out and said hi. I got lots of very nice comments. Some folks liked what I had to say. Some had points of disagreement… [...]
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“Click Here” … or Don’t
Posted on08. Apr, 2011 by Melanie.
I was surprised and intrigued by the response to my last blog post about whether web writers should use the phrase “click here.” The most provocative comment came from content usability expert Angela Colter, who’d written a blog post on this very thing, oh … two years ago. So, here are my current conclusions: 1. [...]
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Should web writers and UX designers use “click here”?
Posted on23. Jan, 2011 by Melanie.
Shocked. Appalled. Scandalized. That’s how I felt when I ran across an article asserting that using “click here” to indicate links in copy is actually (gulp) okay.
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6 Books that Made My 2010
Posted on02. Jan, 2011 by Melanie.
2010 was a big year for me. I got introduced to the field of content strategy, started a meetup group, spoke at a conference (or two), and supervised a team of content writers for the first time ever. I also happened to read several books that energized and equipped me to perform these tasks.
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Presos everywhere!
Posted on22. Nov, 2010 by Melanie.
I just gave 2 talks. Take a look at the slides and let me know what you think.
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Ad copy roundup 8/12/10: the good, the bad, and the meh
Posted on12. Aug, 2010 by Melanie.
Lately, I’ve realized I’m a bit of a copy nerd. Well, maybe not “a bit.” Maybe I’ve plunged headlong into the depths of abject dorkitude in my enthusiasm for really creative, inspired copy. At any rate, I noticed, I sure do spend a lot of internal monologue time assessing copy—whether it be web copy, radio [...]
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Thoughts on the 2010 STC Summit
Posted on09. May, 2010 by Melanie.
I left the 2010 STC Summit with tons to think about, motivated to do everything I can to plan, create, and maintain effective content. And getting to meet a who’s who of writers and experts was a pretty sweet perk.
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Role Playing for Fun and Profit
Posted on22. Apr, 2010 by Melanie.
Today, I’m excited to present a guest post from my friend, Bryan Allain. (I think we’re “friends,” although I’m not sure, because the one time I think I met Bryan was about ten years ago. So I could be confused. In any case, a Twitter friend is a “friend,” right?) Bryan is an awesome humor [...]