Thoughts on STC?
Posted February 26th, 2007 by paul.
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Category: Technical Writing.
At the end of January, it came time to renew my annual STC dues. If you are a technical communicator, you really ought to consider joining STC — the Society for Technical Communication. I’ve been an STC member since I was in college; I’ve even attended an STC conference in Vancouver a couple of years ago.
When I got my first job after college, I was able to talk my employer into paying my STC dues for me. Now I have a new employer, and I had to convince the VP of Engineering that STC is a valuable organization, worthy of our corporate funds.
I already submitted my ideas and got the funding approved, but I want to ask you technical communicators out there: What value do you find in the Society for Technical Communication? What benefit does STC provide to your employer?
Post your thoughts first, and I’ll add my list later.
February 27th, 2007 at 7:56 am
When I switched jobs, I wasn’t sure if I was going to renew my membership either. After all, it is $150. I also analyzed the relative value. Here’s my list:
–Intercom, the STC’s magazine, often has useful articles that I enjoy reading.
–I know many employers look for that STC membership in their applicants.
–I receive job postings and have access to the STC’s career site.
Other than that, I really didn’t see a value. I imagine that if I was active in the regional meetings that I would get more out of it, but I’m not at this time.
What it really came down to, though, was I decided that if I had to pay for it, I wasn’t going to sign up. Most of the things I find valuable would only apply to me if I was currently seeking a job, which I’m not. When you add in the fact that all my previous jobs were found without the use of the STC, I found even less reasons.
There are many tech writers who think the STC has outlived its usefulness. I disagree with that stance, but at this time in my life and career the STC has limited value to me because I choose not to participate more actively.
Maybe it’d help if they held meetings closer to home.
March 27th, 2007 at 8:45 am
I just renewed my subscription as well, mainly because it only cost me half as much (I joined mid-year last year so they applied half of the fee to this year). However I think this is the last year I will be doing it. I enjoy their magazine, but that’s about it. Even though my job isn’t so technical at the moment, I like to have their articles around for future reference. For me, I think IABC is a better choice, just because I work with business writing. I am going to their convention in April in Chicago and I’m pretty excited about it. I’ve never been excited about an STC convention.