Here's my 2 cents.I left STC a few years ago because I found the
organization didn't give enough to international members - and, to top that
off, had the nerve to classify Israel at a different rate scale than ALL its
neighboring countries (including a few continents in either direction).



STC resolved that issue, thankfully, by re-classifying Israel. However,
since that time, STC has gone relatively dormant in Israel and with a major
economic crisis in progress, few technical writers would join STC at a time
when there is little reason locally and still no international support
directed to the local chapter.so, with no perceivable benefit, local
organizations (including one that I help run) have organized national
conferences and regularly schedule events for local writers.



If STC closes down its forum to non-members, it loses a key way to show its
value to these writers.to say to someone - especially someone who has
already been burned - pay and wait to you see what you are going to get.when
the last time the person was a member they got.essentially nothing
special.won't work.



Personally, I don't use the STC forums - I use our local Techshoret group
which is extremely active, reactive, and knowledgeable and other groups such
as HATT, TCP, etc.

I think STC, if it wants to improve internationally at least - is going to
have to spearhead a campaign to show its value - and only THEN can it
expect/hope for more members. STC has to find a way to reach out, encourage
local chapters (or better - local communities) and only then expect a payoff
in terms of additional activists and members.



I volunteered for STC for almost 10 years.finally leaving it largely because
of discussions on this list and with the local chapter at the time. I can't
say I even remember when the local chapter had an event, though I think I
saw something advertised a few months ago and certainly can't remember the
subject matter.



As I said, my 2 cents only.



Paula



From: reformstc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:reformstc@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Char James-Tanny
Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2009 5:35 AM
To: reformstc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [ReformSTC] Starting things up again?








> The problem with "sending an email" to someone is that you lose the back
'n forth sharing of ideas. If I send an email to STC, how do I know that it
was actually discussed? Other than receiving a "thank you for your input"
email, that's not really how a community grows, is it?

The Board is responsible for gathering all information and putting
together a plan.

> So since YOU are listening, it'd be nice if there was a place where a
nonmember could communicate with members and share ideas and discuss.
Unless, of course, you plan on that place being right here! :)

This seems to be the best place right now.

Char James-Tanny ~ JTF Associates, Inc. ~ http://www.helpstuff.com
----------------------------------------------------------
Please send follow-up questions to the list. (Inquiries sent off-list
may not be seen.)
Contact me directly (CharJT at helpstuff dot com) with business inquiries.
----------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft Help MVP since 2002
Find a Help Authoring Tool at HAT-Matrix.com ~ http://hat-matrix.com
Co-author of "Managing Virtual Teams" ~ http://www.wordware.com/wiki
AuthorIT Certified Consultant, Development, and Training
STC Secretary, 2006-2010
Web site Hosting and Design ~ http://www.jtfhosting.com



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