How I Use the Internet (was Re: STC)

[Paul Goble <paulg -at- COL -dot- HP -dot- COM>]

Susan Kuner writes:
> How do those of you on this list
> get access to Bitnet and the Internet?

Fortunately, my employer provides Internet access.

> As technical writers, what other Bitnet or Internet resources do
> you use?  How has this listserv helped you in your work?

I use the Internet to answer questions like:

- What are our competitors doing?

- What are the latest trends in technology?  What will my readers
  expect from our products and documentation in the future?

- What bugs have been found in that software I'm thinking of buying?

- Is there a free tool out there to do X?  Tools I've heard about on
  the Internet have (approximately) tripled my writing productivity.

- Where can I find this book? (Many libraries have catalogs available
  through the Internet.  I can also just ask the appropriate news group
  or listserv.)

I also use the Internet to:

- Remind me of the consequences of poor communication (as when one poorly
  chosen word offends hundreds of readers in a "flamefest").

- Relax when I'm tired of writing.

- Keep up with the news in linguistics, computer science, and various
  hobbies.

- Communicate with colleagues at other institutions.


                    --------======= * =======--------
                                Paul Goble
                Hewlett-Packard Colorado Springs Division
                      Learning Products Engineering
                             paulg -at- col -dot- hp -dot- com