Proposed Editing and plain English SIG

The special interest group will be a forum for sharing of ideas and professional support among the wider community of information editors.

We aim to run regular networking meetings around Auckland, each one focussing on a specific aspect of the craft. The group will also have its own separate page on the TCANZ website.

Meetings will be every two months (initially), at various venues around Auckland. The format will be a brief presentation on the topic (initially from one member of the group), followed by a discussion and general networking.

If you wish to receive notices about these events, please subscribe to the appropriate email list by logging into the TCANZ website and going to the My Account area.

For those of you who can't attend in person, we plan to record these events and make the recordings available on the website Members' Area along with copies of any slides or handouts.

To give you some idea of the intended focus, here are some possible topics:

• What does a ‘technical editor’ do?
• How does the editor’s role differ for web content?
• How much can a plain English editor influence legal writing?
• How can we convince more companies/organisations to incorporate editing into their document processes?
• What kind of people make good editors? (Are they born or made?)
• How effective are the various types of editing software?
• How useful is an in-house style: the benefits and drawbacks? What are alternative methods of ensuring consistency?
• On paper or on screen? When, why, how.

Editing provides a valuable check for writers. But who keeps the editors in check, and how?
Participants are welcome to contribute suggestions for other topics.

Inaugural meeting

Topic

What is 'plain English editing'? How does it differ from other forms?

 

Presented by Howard Warner

Howard Warner has edited most things: newspapers and magazines, corporate publications, business documents, web content, interactive learning materials, user manuals, how-to books. His passion is for all things to do with language and writing. He has written extensively on these subjects, and is an international Scrabble competitor. Howard is director of Auckland-based consultancy firm Plain English People (www.plainenglishpeople.co.nz).

Where

Auckland Regional Migrant Services
Three Kings Plaza
532 Mt Albert Rd
Mt. Roskill
Auckland

The Migrant Services centre is in the main shopping mall at Three Kings. The quickest way to Migrant Services is from the entrance into the mall from the road the runs past the mall towards the Fickling Centre and Library. Public parking available directly outside in the mall carpark.

When

Monday 31st May 2010

Networking (light refreshments provided) from: 5:30pm

Presentation: 6:00-6:30pm

Discussion: 6:30-7:30pm

Cost

There is an entrance fee of $10 to cover the cost of catering.

Please pay cash at the door.

RSVP

To assist with numbers for catering, please let us know if you will be attending the session by contacting the TCANZ Vice President.