Google Analytics to Track Web-Based Documentation Usage

by Bob Zebian, STC member

An ongoing question for information professionals is “Just how do users use our documentation?” There are several methods to help determine this, such as setting up use case scenarios or electronic customer feedback, but while these have some value, they are also somewhat artificial. What is needed is a tool that tells you what topics users are reading, how long are they reading, and how they navigate to the information they need

Web analytic tools can provide this type of data for technical information that is accessed through the Web. Even though most Web analytic tools are designed for marketing use, they can also provide valuable information for technical communicators.

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Interorganizational Cooperation

by Arroxane Eber, LSC President

If you looked around any room at the STC Technical Summit, you would probably see members of the Usability Professionals Association (UPA), Interaction Design Association (IXDA), American Society of Training & Development (ASTD), and several other professional groups. No rule has prevented a professional from participating in numerous organizations. Perhaps you, yourself, have attended a conference or presentation by an organization other than STC.

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My Last LSC Editor's Column

by Jackie Damrau

My time has come to turn the reins of the LSC Technically Write over to someone else. With my recent move to the state of Washington, my time is being consumed by work, other family life events, and starting in January 2011, the STC International Summit Awards.

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November: Overcoming Obstacles When Moving to an Agile Environment

by Doug Dow, Associate Fellow

A small crowd of twenty-some Lone Star members bypassed the camping tents, climbed the stairs, made their way past racks of discount sporting gear, and found the REI Sporting Goods Store’s community room to hear Ravi Verma speak on preparing teams for the transition to Agile development methodologies.

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