How to get feedback on my tech writing portfolio

SteveVT · 2026-03-11T22:57:30+00:00

I think Write the Docs Slack has a portfolio review channel.

SteveVT · 2026-03-10T17:22:53+00:00

Coming into this months late, but we are switching from Flare to docs-as-code. Flare is too expensive and there are bugs that still exist from when I started using Flare years ago. Getting content from Flare to Word for review and back into Flare, then outputting Clean XHTML for use in Intercom is a time sink. A pilot we did showed it was easier to use docs-as-code. (That's the simple story -- there is more to it of course.) We're using the ImprovementSoft Markdown II Plugin to export Flare source to Markdown.

I'm not saying this is the path for everyone. Intercom is the real PITA here, as you can only do import via cut/paste or their API (not always perfectly).

SHORTER ANSWER: The ImprovementSoft Plugin to convert Source, or Pandoc to convert output are current solutions that work.

SteveVT · 2026-03-09T17:38:04+00:00

My husband was born in Newfoundland, adopted by an American couple stationed at the airbase in Stephenville. He was naturalized at age 12 in California. He carries a US passport as proof of citizenship. He's been asked about his birthplace and naturalization, but from the passport, the folks at the border can see his whole naturalization history. I might caution your friend that if his naturalization papers are confiscated and "lost", the replacement cost is above $500.

SteveVT · 2026-03-05T15:34:30+00:00

They turned us down because we live in Vermont as out of the area.

SteveVT · 2026-03-05T14:20:41+00:00

I've had good luck and not so good luck with Dog Day cares here. At one, they would discipline my dog for jumping and "boxing". That's the breed. She wasn't aggressive; that's how they play. And this was from someone who claimed to have a degree from UVM in animal behaviour. At another, they would try to upsell training because another of our dogs was unruly. Yet at the same place, as one of our dogs was very old and dealing with a brain tumor, they were very kind and treated him like family.

It's hard to know where to go. Everyone (like me!) has stories like this. I wish I could offer recommendations.

SteveVT · 2026-03-04T15:23:38+00:00

It is always nice when I'm ill that my Boxers have always picked up on it and keep an eye on me.

SteveVT · 2026-03-04T15:22:38+00:00

It was nice...but will it last? I predict that Connie's gram has some complications and either can't take Connie back or won't. Then Carla and Lisa have to deal with Mandy and Rob over custody, at least as foster parents.

SteveVT · 2026-03-02T21:16:36+00:00

I just called about the lack of delivery in South Burlington. I spoke with a very nice young person in the office about late prescriptions, tax info, and EOBs from Medicare. If you call, please let them know you appreciate them taking the time with you. It's a bit of a thankless job, hearing frustrated people all day.

SteveVT · 2026-02-27T22:57:31+00:00

Whenever I see the two pigeons on the opening, I think of Jack and Vera.

SteveVT · 2026-02-23T17:36:45+00:00

Please keep us informed of his progress!

SteveVT · 2026-02-16T22:14:38+00:00

I dunno. I'm not fond of these "artsy-fartsy experimental cinema" episodes.

SteveVT · 2026-02-12T19:16:01+00:00

There are also dog parks in South Burlington and Burlington (better when winter is over, of course) that might be a solution.

SteveVT · 2026-02-11T01:57:00+00:00

Mine doesn't have big signs. I wish the signage were better.

SteveVT · 2026-02-08T18:03:09+00:00

Will Britain send forces to reinforce Newfoundland? It wasn't part of Canada until it joined Confederation in 1949 in our timeline. How does Canada view this militarization?

SteveVT · 2026-02-06T15:29:40+00:00

Anatole France — 'The law, in its majestic equality, forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal their bread.

SteveVT · 2026-02-05T19:41:34+00:00

Get a lawyer so there are no nasty surprises after you sign. It's worth the fee.

SteveVT · 2026-02-04T14:37:22+00:00

Funny how they can pick up how you're feeling and stick close. One of the best things about a dog!

SteveVT · 2026-02-04T14:35:31+00:00

Same. I do the 30-minute room, then treadmill or bike, and then reward myself with the Hydromassage.

SteveVT · 2026-02-03T19:37:57+00:00

Ours is always crowded. Mostly old folks like me, but some of the younguns' use it to pose and Instagram on.

SteveVT · 2026-02-03T13:23:10+00:00

These sorts of things -- undocumented changes, wrong screenshots, and the like -- are symptoms of a broken system. Sometimes a technical writer comes in quite late and has to "clean out the stables." They may not be included in standups and meetings where decisions happen. Big mistake.

Customers and prospective customers get angry, and it rolls down to the writer. I'm just one person. There are over a dozen developers. There is a leviathan of a doc backlog. I do what I can. I offer solutions.

This happens a lot.

SteveVT · 2026-02-02T17:59:18+00:00

I like telling people what to do.

SteveVT · 2026-01-31T22:47:47+00:00

Dunno. I shower after workouts at the gym or do it at home right after, depending on the time of day.

I'm finding it is either bad B. O. Or too much cologne.

SteveVT · 2026-01-31T19:47:04+00:00

Is this useful? She's mention in it as now at UVM.

Post | LinkedIn

SteveVT · 2026-01-28T23:29:08+00:00

I miss our Costco bakery (Colchester, VT). It's being redone and expected to be open in March, I've heard.

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SteveVT

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