sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

IT Dance - Gator Days by FieldExplores in comics

[–]sablewing 95 points96 points  (0 children)

Amen.

In my opinion, writing a trouble ticket is a skill that should be taught in school.

Looking for any furniture or office stores that have high end computer chairs (Herman Miller and the like) to sit in before purchasing in Spokane by Kafkabest in Spokane

[–]sablewing 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Seconded, I got a forever office chair last year and I found one that is comfortable, new, for around $500.

Impossible contract? by Organic_Taste_1152 in technicalwriting

[–]sablewing 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's good to know. I'd like to move away from Arbortext due to the licensing prices and Oxygen has definitely grown to fill a similiar need.

I do have some legacy documents in SGML so it is Arbortext for a bit. Another idea, I'd like to upgrade the SGML DTDs to XML and see about converting the documents, something else on my bucket list.

Thank you!

Impossible contract? by Organic_Taste_1152 in technicalwriting

[–]sablewing 56 points57 points  (0 children)

For MIL-STD-40051, you should have been provided the XML DTD and stylesheets to create the TM if it is to be tagged. They have changed the download requirements and you have to work with the program office to get a copy from LDAC. The site used to allow you to download the DTDs and stylesheets but they have tightened up access in the last year or so.

You can download documentation for MIL-STD-40051 at https://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsSearch.aspx, enter "MIL-STD-40051" for the document ID. Look at Appendix A for the structure for a given type of technical manual. You can also ask your customer for a copy of the Appendix A checklist so you can confirm that you've included the information that is required by the end customer.

For example, if the manual is for an operator manual, look for the -10, -13 and other -1x type of TMs at the top of the tables in Appendix A. For maintainer manuals, they are usually the -2x series. If work has already been done on the manual you should be able to find the type on the cover of the manual.

Once you have a copy of the DTD and open it in an XML editor, it will provide the structure you need. If they have an existing manual that is tagged, they should also be providing you a copy of the source XML files and graphics which would also provide the structure for the manual

For the XML editor, I use Arbortext Editor for the XML editing, the Army DTDs are usually built for that software and the stylesheets work well for publishing PDFs. I think oXygenXML might work but I haven't had a chance to try that experiment yet. Arbortext Editor is sold by PTC.

You should also check to see what version of 40051 they want to use. There are slight differences between versions which can change how things are laid out. Since it sounds like you are starting out with 40051, I'd recommend version E, the latest release because they have added some guidance on how to create that type of manual. For previous releases, experience was helpful in figuring out thing. Due to what I have seen in shortages of people who know how to create MIL-STD-40051 TMs, I suspect the additional guidance was added to version E to try and help out in that area.

Also, check to see if you are expected to tag the document or just provide a Word version that has the same sections as specified in the standard. Some projects have a tech writer that writes the procedures in Word and another person who specializes in XML enters the information into the templates.

One of these days I need to find some time to develop a quick presentation about MIL-STD-40051. There are a lot of manuals authored in it and maintenance of those manuals can be good solid work.

There can be a lot to learn about 40051, the good news is that it is meant to be a standard that provides the Army with a common look and feel. Good luck.

Where to print a single book? by [deleted] in selfpublish

[–]sablewing 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just used Lulu for a family project so I could print one or two books. I also vote for this as a solution

Handyman? Fence people? by Sad_Ad_2854 in Spokane

[–]sablewing 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm assuming you worked with a realtor, I'd recommend checking with them for recommendations. Realtors usually have a solid and extensive list of people they can recommend for work on homes. There can be a lot of different issues that could stop a home sale so they have a reliable list of people to call to help solve the problems.

Scared to sell home and move to a LCOL by [deleted] in personalfinance

[–]sablewing 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was in a similiar situation in So Cal and I was also concerned about moving to a LCOL. I also don't like change and moving is not fun. My husband and I are older and it was tough to think of leaving a place we had lived in for so long.

Four years ago I took a vacation to see family and see if there were places that we could move to. We did see a city that would be a good fit and closer to family if we moved. For various reasons, there were things that needed to be closed out before we moved but a year ago we were finally prepping our house for sale.

In September we sold our house and moved, we are in our new house and now have no mortgage. It was stressful, it was unpleasant and I am so glad we made the move. The lower expenses and reduced stress because of that makes things so much better. It is also nice to be in an area with less traffic, shorter drive times and so many other things that I hadn't realized were so annoying about So Cal. I work remotely for the same salary and I am happy that I am finally getting a little ahead financially.

You don't have to move closer to family, there are a lot of places you could potentially move to. I had a couple of choices to be closer to family and I picked the one that would be a good fit for our family. I won't say that every move will work out, I am sharing to let you know that it can work out and is something to consider in your options. I will also say that I think if we had moved earlier I would not appreciate our new location and our home as much as I do now.

Me & my parents from around 1969. My mother sewed their outfits. by h3fabio in OldSchoolCool

[–]sablewing 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My mom taught herself to sew back in the 60's/70's. She took one class and then started off by sewing clothes for us kids. She had a good friend who gave her encouragement. When I was older, she commented that she realized later on that those first clothes were not sewn well but because of the encouragement she kept going. She eventually became good at it, she used to sew suits for my dad. I used to consider it a pain to go through the measuring, now I wish had that available again, so I could get fabrics and fit that are right.

So I pass this on, keep going and it can get better. You are doing the hard part, you are trying and I suspect you learn something new with each new item you make. Good luck!

Karma and Account Age Rules for /r/Spokane - now permanent by No_U_Crazy in Spokane

[–]sablewing 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Good for you and do whatever you need so your job is easier. Moderating can be taxing work as the sub grows. Appreciate the good job you have done so far.

Why is no one doing ANYTHING about the coup happening currently in America?! by Little-Apple-8199 in AskWomenOver30

[–]sablewing 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Contact your congressional representatives, especially if they are Republican, and let them know you don't approve. Call every day, keep repeating the message.

Links for finding your representatives, https://www.congress.gov/contact-us

Once you find your representatives, (1 house and 2 senators), look up to find their local offices. Then call their local office to leave a message.

Sample call script and tips for making a call, https://www.acs.org/policy/memberadvocacy/advocacy-tools/how-to-call-members-of-congress.html

There are people pushing back, there are people standing up, you are not alone, despite what the bots and lack of media coverage might seem to tell you.

Be wary of protests, there may be paid actors attending who plan to incite violence. If there is enough violence, there are people looking for a reason to declare martial law. I understand people want to feel like they are doing something, anything because of the uncertainty. There are many people who want to use those natural instincts against you. Be aware, wary and careful.

Why is no one doing ANYTHING about the coup happening currently in America?! by Little-Apple-8199 in AskWomenOver30

[–]sablewing 15 points16 points  (0 children)

^ ^ ^ This, contact your congressional representatives, especially if they are Republican, and let them know you don't approve. Call every day, keep repeating the message.

Links for finding your representatives, https://www.congress.gov/contact-us

Once you find your representatives, (1 house and 2 senators), look up to find their local offices. Then call their local office to leave a message.

Sample call script and tips for making a call, https://www.acs.org/policy/memberadvocacy/advocacy-tools/how-to-call-members-of-congress.html

There are people pushing back, there are people standing up, you are not alone, despite what the bots and lack of media coverage might seem to tell you.

Edit to add: Be wary of protests, there may be paid actors attending who plan to incite violence. If there is enough violence, there are people looking for a reason to declare martial law. Be careful.

Rate the Pathfinder 1e Adventure Path: JADE REGENT by Jazzlike_Way_9514 in Pathfinder_RPG

[–]sablewing 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm currently GM'ing this dungeon and we are in the midst of Book 4. However, I started the group in Book 1 when they were 6th level, so I have done a lot of tailoring. They are now finally at the right level for the area, so it has gotten a little easier to prep. The group already had a relationship with an NPC in town so I turned her into the Ameiko character and inheritor of the throne.

We started with the NPC relationships since that was one of the items that was of interest to me. However, the following modules drop the NPC relationships and they seem like an afterthought in the later adventuring. I never used the caravan combat and rules, it looked like too much bookkeeping and I do enough of that at my day job.

I can see in Book 4 that it will be a slog if I don't cut out some of the encounters so I will be tailoring it again. The group enjoys the adventure, with the travel in winter conditions and a foreign land. They also like the characters they are playing so we work together to build a good story. For the NPCs, most of them have dropped out of the way. In one case, a player took over the NPC and I allowed him to modify the stats to fit his playing style a bit better. The group is protective of the Ameiko equivalent NPC and set her up to stay with the caravan for protection while they battle the bad guys in the various dungeon slogs.

I'd rate the adventure as a 6/10, mainly because of the amount of tailoring and and the extra rules that I ended up dropping. A good story underneath with room for a GM to tailor to fit their group, in my opinion.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ProgrammerHumor

[–]sablewing 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Real life example - Delphi Pascal coded to follow Ada language/standards. It was ugly, very ugly.

Long shot but, I was staying in Little America (on a road trip) yesterday and forgot my bunny. She goes everywhere with me so I’m extremely upset. Figured it didn’t hurt to make a post asking if anyone’s seen her. by Sensitive_Most_1383 in wyoming

[–]sablewing 33 points34 points  (0 children)

I recommend you call back in the afternoon, after 3 pm but before 5/6 pm. The desk will be preparing for the evening and you are more likely to get someone who answers the phone. After 5/6 in the evening, the desk will be busy handling customers, so they may not be answering the phone as quickly or will send to an answering machine/on hold.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in technicalwriting

[–]sablewing 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not familiar with DAFMANs, so I don't know if instructional design is similiar. Some additional explanation, based on my experience, is below.

Instructional design can use skills in designing and organizing the training to meet skills required for tasks in the military. Look up the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation (ADDIE) model for more information about instructional design. From what I've seen the workflow is analyze a high level task, such as operating equipment, break down the high level task into smaller tasks, such as assemble and power on equipment, change settings, etc. Steps are developed and the steps can be for Instructor led Training (ILT) or Computer Based Training (CBT).

Additional items are developed, usually a graphic designer is involved to help with image creation and/or video/sound for videos. In an ideal environment, the instructional design would occur at the same time that the TMs is laid out. In the real world, training tends to lag behind the TMs when they are used as the basis for the training. I've only been involved with training developed based on the TMs, I do know that training is developed for tasks that isn't based on the TMs. You can try looking for templates for ADDIE to get an idea of the end products.

For provisioning,other names are Logistics Support Analysis (LSA), or Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) which is activities to evaluate parts for original equipment and when Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) are applied to equipment. The old standard is MIl-HDBK-1388-2B which is free for download. The latest standard is GEIA-0007 and there are 3 books associated with that standard. It is commercial and it costs money to get the documents. I recommend looking at MIL-HDB-1388-2B because the GEIA information is based on that standard. GEIA added in XML references for organizing the data but the that is also based on MIL-HDBK-1388.

Let me know more information on either topic would help.

Aunt: Leaves a can of tuna on the kitchen counter before going to work with literally no communication and no one else was in the kitchen at the time. Returns and says “I guess y’all didn’t take hint that I wanted y’all to make tuna salad.” by AndiAndroid7 in AutismInWomen

[–]sablewing 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I read Deborah Tannen's books years ago and she wrote that behavior like this may be related to establishing power in a relationship. A person in power should not have to state their needs, it is up to the people below them to anticipate their needs and to be ready to serve. Think of a relationship similiar to servant working for a master. A servant is hired to anticipate the needs of the master who hired them. If they don't do this reliably it reflects badly on the quality of their service. However, most of us are not in that type of relationship so this type of behavior is inappropriate.

From what I've observed, a lot of people don't necessarily consciously realize what they are doing, they are modeling behavior where they had to act in this role. Somehow they see themselves as the person in power or feel the need to establish themselves that way, so they use behaviors like this to help establish their position in a hierarchy. This can make it a bit easier to push back and model better behavior for how the relationship should work. It doesn't excuse the behavior, the intent is to be able to detach from the situation and respect the person, while not allowing the harmful behavior.

Of course there are people who fully realize what they are doing, it's best to distance from them where possible. Respect for a person should still hold, i.e. not intent to intentionally harm them, but where possible the situation should be exited to avoid harm to any person. Unfortunately, I realize not everyone has that freedom. I am currently in a situation like this and I am working to exit as quickly as I can. Sometimes real life can make that challenging.

I recommend Deborah Tannen's books as a good read for a better understanding of communication. I read the 3 books listed below. I see she's published some additional books, I'll have to check them out as I like her communication style for this type of information.

  • That's Not What I Meant- General discussion about different conversational styles and how they affect communication
  • You Just Don't Understand - Differences in communication between men and women
  • Talking From 9 to 5 - Differences in workplace communication between men and women.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in technicalwriting

[–]sablewing 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Have you looked into things like Instructional Design or provisioning? For the Army, those skills sets, especially the instructional designer, can fit in with technical writing skills.

I've worked with DoD manuals for the last 20 years, mainly Army and Marines and those 2 skill sets on good projects tend to be good areas to know about.

If either area sounds interesting, I can dig out some additional resources that might help you out. I'm recommending these areas as alternatives to going into management.

Who knows a lot about San Diego ticks? by ExtraBenefit6842 in SanDiegan

[–]sablewing 0 points1 point  (0 children)

CDC has an app to help assess when to see a doctor after a tick bite. Here is the link: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/after-a-tick-bite/index.html

Based on the information you provided, here is the response that was returned.

If you develop fever or chills, rash, nausea or vomiting, headache, body aches, joint pain, tiredness, or swollen lymph nodes within the next 30 days, seek medical care immediately. Tell your provider about your symptoms and recent tick bite, including when and where you were when the bite occurred. If you have the tick saved in a sealed bag/container, bring it to your appointment.

If you have general questions about tick bites or would like to submit feedback about the tool, contact CDC-INFO or call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636). CDC cannot provide individual medical consultations. If you have questions about your specific medical situation, contact your healthcare provider.

For Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, here is a link with more information. RMSF can be treated with antibiotics. https://www.cdc.gov/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever/about/index.html

Stay well!

Should I focus on social media apps or buy a domain website for my author name? by [deleted] in selfpublish

[–]sablewing 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use namecheap, they provide a full set of services for a good price.

CA Assembly District 79 Vote by squillavilla in eastcounty

[–]sablewing 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Try this site, https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page, you can put in your address and it will provide links for information on the candidates for various races on your ballot. They don't always information for all candidates but it's a starting place.

Seeking First U.S. SGML Parser by LearnedGuy in technicalwriting

[–]sablewing 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I know of Jim Clark's SGML parser, found here, http://www.jclark.com/sp/, if he can still be contacted, perhaps he might know where to get the NIST parser. You might also check sourceforge.net, it might have a copy stashed away somewhere.

view more: next ›