Tag: technical documentation

Hackpad: The Newest Wiki On The Block

Posted on by Valentina Rosa

Wikis. Internet collaboration. Fast. Easy. Yes, these terms mingle into one user-friendly wiki that makes other wikis look like complicated rocket science. Introducing Hackpad, the newest wiki on the block that really may just be the best one yet.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept of wikis, think of Wikipedia, one of the more common wikis. Wikis allow users to freely create and edit web page content, but supports hyperlinks and has the ability to create new pages. Typically, users will be either viewing a page or editing a page using a textbox. However, Hackpad allows its users to do both simultaneously through a text insertion cursor which allows users to begin typing immediately. Although other wikis may encounter user “traffic”, where more than one user is editing text at the same time, Hackpad allows users to edit content at the same time through real-time edits and allows other contributors to view your content as you are typing.

Test out Hackpad for yourself! Registration requires either an e-mail address, Facebook account, or Gmail account. Once registration is complete, you can begin creating new “pads”. Working with code? No problem! Hackpad offers syntax highlighting for HTML, JacaScript, Java, and several others. If you are in the market for trying out a new wiki, Hackpad may be your newest go-to.

Do you wiki? Have you heard about Hackpad? Let us know @TRA360!

Online Writing: Goldmine or Global Sweatshop?

Posted on by Valentina Rosa
How do you market yourself as a freelance writer?

Do you have a blog that you enjoy reading on a daily or weekly basis? An online publication that you have bookmarked under your favorites? Society relies on information gathered and written by others; between newspapers, magazines or online blogs. However, the authors behind the content trying to make a living don’t necessarily have it so easy. The article, “Online Writing: Goldmine or Global Sweatshop” published in the Digital Journal discusses the pros and cons of self-employment through blogging and freelance writing.

Currently, writers are in high demand, which speaks for the “goldmine” element of online writing. That said, online writing may not be all that it’s cracked up to be between the pay-by-gig (versus not a steady weekly paycheck), getting your name recognized, and keeping on top of new business.

Technical writing is an example of a profession that requires not only knowledge of the industry, but also exceptional writing skills. However, sometimes knowledge of the industry and writing skills alone are not enough. Self-promotion is a key nugget of success for landing the gig and excelling in online writing. Unlike a steady full-time job, writers have to continuously show their clients and potential clients why they should hire you for the job. Create a digital portfolio of your work and begin marketing yourself through social media. If you don’t believe your skills and offering are up-to-par or better than your competition out there, why will other companies?

Freelance online writing and blogging can be a tough career path, but by using your resources that are right at your fingertips (websites like E-Lance that helps people find freelancing gigs), and self-promotion, you will get more bites on the hook. Remember, if you believe in yourself and your work, others will too!

Are you a freelance blogger or online writer? How do you market yourself to land jobs? Let us know below!

Adobe Jumps on the Cloud Computing Bandwagon

Posted on by Valentina Rosa

 

Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe’s new cloud computing service


It’s finally happened; Adobe has jumped on the cloud-computing craze that has taken over the cyberworld! For the price of $50 per month, you can access the Adobe Creative Cloud. Similar to Dropbox, Adobe has created cloud services where users can “explore, create, publish, and share their work.”

Personally, I think adding cloud computing services to their brand will make Adobe a more valuable player among their competition. Cloud services are hot in many industries and being utilized across the enterprise. From technical writing to online security services and tech junkies, the cloud can be used by anyone for anything!

Do you think Adobe’s transition to the creative cloud will help to make the brand more marketable? Will you be using their creative cloud services? Comment below and tell us your thoughts!

Creating a Technology Services Company

Posted on by Valentina Rosa

I moderated a panel entitled “Creating a Technology Services Company” last night. I recruited a great panel of experts including: David Kelleher, founder and CEO of CGI Interactive; Denise Aronson, founder and president of Safety Partners; and Joseph Sanromá, Principal of DBA Partners. The event was jointly sponsored by the IEEE Boston Entrepreneur’s Network (ENET) and IEEE Consultants Network (CNET), the session was a huge success.

We had some technical difficulties at the start but got them all worked out. Words for the wise: always bring your slide deck(s) with you, as well as hardcopy slides, handouts, & notes if used. The panel started a little slowly but after about 25 minutes we hit our stride. The audience of about 70 people started to ask good questions and made good observations; they were clearly into it. I enjoyed orchestrating the event—interacting with the Denise, David, and Joe; picking out members of the audience, and keeping things moving. Not surprisingly, the most animated part of the meeting centered on social media—how much time people spend on it, what the costs are, and what is the ROI. A lot of heat came into the room on such a cold night!

Here are some comments from people who attended:

Robert Adelson, Chairman, ENET Executive Committee commented: “We had a very nice meeting of ENET last night. Tim did a fine job moderating, all panelists were very good and the meeting proceeded right on time.  Also despite low earlier registration, the attendance was 70 which is the best of our last three meetings and very good for a cold January 3.”  

Robert Lento, ENET Vice Chair, Programs and CNET Liaison to ENET agreed: “Jan 3. was one of the best joint programs ever presented by CNET/ENET. Congratulations to you, David, Denise, and Joe. The panel was well-rounded. The speakers complemented each other and worked well together in the panel-discussion format.  Several attendees commented on the contributions made by the moderator during the meeting. Of course, they were not aware of another major contribution—the teleconferenced dry runs that you orchestrated!”

Angela Roberge of Accurate Staffing, LLC
Angela Roberge of Accurate Staffing, LLC

Angela Roberge, President of Accurate Staffing, LLC: “Enjoyed the panel – liked how they each had varying years of experience – found that interesting and informative.”

After the meeting each of the panelists had a cluster of people around them—always a good sign. Many people came up to me too, including a David Beberman, a long-ago colleague from Genetics Institute who now works at a Solutions Architect at Aicas Realtime…small world!