February 2018
February 2018
In this issue, Meredith discusses workshops, webinars, study and other happenings, including the 2018 census and the introduction of the Technical Communication Jedi. Do you read captions? Earnsy breaks down "what's in a caption" in this month's What's the Evidence? Jim Costello catches up with Jaco Swart, to discuss his many roles in the technical end of the TC spectrum, how he got there and where he's heading. In Let’s Tech Communicate, Katie, Emma and Meredith bring you the low-down on everything from bringing tech comms into the modern age with GIFs, to how to write an article in 20 minutes, and just what, exactly, the difference is between a copywriter and a content writer...
From the President
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all managed some sort of relaxing break with or without associated overconsumption of food and adult beverages. I’ve just returned from a few nights holiday in Golden Bay, where we had stunning weather, clear, warm water, and much relaxing. I’m feeling ready for a busy and fun 2018.
What's the evidence? What's in a caption?
Do you read captions? I never thought about whether I do, but David Ogilvy, advertising guru of Ogilvy and Mather, notes captions are read four times as much as body text (Ogilvy, 1983/2011, p. 77). Or is it twice as much (p. 107)? The point is that they’re read more, as shown in a Gallup survey (cited in Ogilvy, 1983/2011).
Film director Errol Morris describes their power: ‘If you want to trick someone with a photograph, there are lots of easy ways to do it. You don’t need Photoshop. You don’t need sophisticated digital photo-manipulation. You don’t need a computer. All you need to do is change the caption’ (cited in Kleon, 2008).
Featured TC: Jaco Swart
Jaco’s work covers a variety of roles in the technical end of the TC spectrum. These roles include technologist, analyst, and consultant in the digital marketing and web development domains. He caught up with Jim Costello to discuss how he got there and where he is heading.
Let's Tech Communicate
We are still looking for one or more volunteers to aid Grant in composing a Let’s Tech Communicate (LTC) column every couple of months. In the meantime, Katie, Emma and Meredith bring you the low-down on everything from bringing tech comms into the modern age with GIFs, to how to write an article in 20 minutes, and just what, exactly, the difference is between a copywriter and a content writer...
Wanted: A new Let's Tech Communicator
Help still wanted for LTC! One or more volunteers is needed to compose a Let’s Tech Communicate (LTC) column every couple of months.
Wanted: TC Interviewer
Once again the TechCommWire team is looking for 1-2 volunteers to prepare the regular "Featured TC" article. This is a great opportunity to meet colleagues (even if only "virtually") and contribute to the collegial network that is TechCommNZ.
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