Wow, that was quick! It seems to be just a few minutes since I posted I’m really glad it is useful.

No, you can’t assign a label to an excerpt — there can be only one excerpt per page. There is an improvement request on JIRA somewhere asking for just this feature. But a big advantage of the “inclusions library” idea is that it gets around this shortcoming. You can make your bits quite modular in the inclusions library, so you only need one “excerpt” per page.

Yes, as far as I know you should be able to use the macros in Confluence 2.6. Here’s the documentation — I hope it helps

Fun getting your comment so quickly!

Can you assign a label or name to an excerpt? For example, if a page has 3 different “excerpts” that I want to reuse on another page, how do I make the distinction?

Also, does this InclusionsLibrary work on Confluence 2.6? Thanks!

Cool comment! I really like the idea of zapping someone with a LAN, or even an N400, to wake them up and make a point. Up with fragments

Your point about conversational style is a good one too. We’re trying to help people understand something. We can choose simple, non-intrusive language, peppered with the odd surprise a la Haydn, and a bit of friendly comment here and there too.

I agree language is ever changing over time, audience, and place. And I really like your idea of “a smooth ride through the text.” As a new technical writer, I often felt compelled to write strict, super-concise text. But as I’ve written more and listened more to feedback, I see that conversational writing goes a long ways too. Writing for a software company, I don’t get many options to be conversational, but I still sneak that style in when I think it will help users.

I thoroughly enjoy technical writing, and for me it’s the best career choice ever.

It’s quite intense — tech writers tend to get in the zone and work many-hour days. There’s a lot of variety, so most people can find an area or role that suits them. There are also good opportunities to keep up with the latest technology. You do need to keep riding the wave, if you want to stay on top of the job. New things are happening all the time, and that’s where the interesting jobs are too. Those young whippersnappers have the right idea

There are a few community sites on the web, where other tech writers might be able to give their views too. For an overview of what other tech writers are up to, try writerriver.com. There are quite a few discussion groups on thecontentwrangler.ning.com — you could even start your own group or discussion there.

Good luck with the decision. Tech Writing is the place to be

I’m planning on enrolling in a Technical Communications Masters program here in Denver, Colorado, USA. Before I make the huge commitment to not only change careers before I hit my 40’s, but commit the time and treasure to the program…is a career in technical writing a good choice?

Currently, I’m a 15 year professional video producer, working mainly with clients in many different industries, to craft video presentations within their established marketing strategies. Corporate video, if you will. As the economy here has decimated video production opportunities, and as I compete with the young whippersnappers coming up with tools never available to me when I started out…I figured switching to more writing (a task many young video jock loath) is a good idea, both because I love to write, and I have what I would think is a good background.

I would appreciate your advice, or any of your fellow colleagues, about my decision. I understand you being in Australia may not enable you to speak specifically about the climate here in the US, but I would appreciate your thoughts anyway.

Respectfully,

Garrett Evans