the value of STC membership

[Brenda Huettner <bphuettner -at- WSICORP -dot- COM>]

     I have been a member of STC for 12 years or so.  I used to think it
     was valuable just for the mailings - quarterly and monthly national
     publications, monthly local newsletter, annual listings of other
     members, salary survey results, etc.  It was through an STC
     publication that I learned about this list.  I also received notice of
     Saturday workshops and monthly presentations, and could pick and
     choose which ones I would attend. As a contractor, every dollar came
     out of my pocket, but I never regretted spending the dues. I learned
     about topics such as indexing, page design, and new software
     essentially for free.

     Recently, however, I've started _participating_ in STC by
     volunteering, proposing presentations, even writing an article for the
     national newsletter (same issue as Eric's HTML article - I feel in
     good company).  I attended the national conference last year for the
     first time (at my new "permanent" employer's expense) and decided that
     I want to go every year - even if I have to take vacation and foot the
     bill myself.  It was so worthwhile that I was able to write up a four
     page trip report that conviced my boss to agree to send me again.

     The exposure, networking, and opportunity not just to learn but to
     prove my abilities to other people in my field has been invaluable -
     I would recommend membership to anyone serious about a technical
     communication career.

     Brenda Huettner
     bphuettner -at- wsicorp -dot- com