Saturday, October 19, 2013

Great portraits in the great outdoors


Great Portraits in the Great Outdoors


1054


If you have ever photographed your weekend outing, family reunion, or your son's baseball game, you know that outdoor photography can present very special challenges. Along my journey as a photographer Ive learned some outdoor portrait photography techniques that may benefit those who choose to follow.


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If you have ever photographed your weekend outing, family reunion, or a special vacation getaway with your friends or family, you know that outdoor photography can present some very special challenges. This is true even for the most seasoned photographer. Direct sunlight can be harsh. Unwanted objects can interfere with your composition. Proper color rendering can be problematic. And many times, good old Mother Nature is just not feeling cooperative. Perhaps, theres not much that can be done about Mother Nature, but with some practice and patience you can overcome many of the other challenges you face as an outdoor portrait photographer. Along my journey as a photographer Ive learned some outdoor techniques that may benefit those who choose to follow:
1. Keep it simple. The subtle pattern and color of an adobe wall, the simple repeating pattern and muted tones of planks on a fishing pier, or the uniform color of a patch of blue bonnets, snapdragons, or yellow primrose can serve as wonderful backdrops fo

 



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Great technical writing the user product life cycle a documentation tool


Great Technical Writing: The User-Product Life Cycle - A Documentation Tool


The User-Product Life Cycle (U-PLC) is a powerful tool for the User Document writer. Use the U-PLC to generate the high-level topics for your User Document.


THE USER-PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE (U-PLC)


Usually, when we think of a Product Life Cycle, we think in terms of the development and production of the Product itself. When writing User Documentation, consider the U-PLC to help you generate all the topics necessary for a complete document. User Documentation should support y...


writing, user document, topics, user manual, how to write


The User-Product Life Cycle (U-PLC) is a powerful tool for the User Document writer. Use the U-PLC to generate the high-level topics for your User Document.


THE USER-PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE (U-PLC)


Usually, when we think of a Product Life Cycle, we think in terms of the development and production of the Product itself. When writing User Documentation, consider the U-PLC to help you generate all the topics necessary for a complete document. User Documentation should support your Users in all of their interactions with the product.


The User-Product Life Cycle refers to the full range of interactions between the User and the Product itself. This is more than simply "how to use the product." As you will see below, "Use the Product" is only one stage in the U-PLC.


STAGES IN THE U-PLC


Here are the stages IN the U-PLC (assuming that the User as acquired the Product):


-- U-P LC Stage: Transport the Product to its working location


-- U-P LC Stage: Unpack the Product


Transport and Unpacking of the product are listed here just for completeness. These are currently displayed on the packaging itself, usually in pictorial form, and do a good job.


-- U-P LC Stage: Overall knowledge about the Product.


This is information that is presented to the User early in the User Documents.


Topics here include safety, legal, and disclaimers related to the product.


The description of the product should indicate how the product may change the way that the User currently does things. For example, an analog voice recorder will require the User to listen to all the stored items to find a particular one; a digital voice recorder will enable the User to quickly jump from one message to another.


-- U-P LC Stage: Set up or Install the Product


* Environments


It is important for the writer to think of the various environments where the product will exist. For example, how should a computer program be installed in a Windows, Mac, or Linux environment?


"Environments" includes other things that the product must work with. For example, how should a DVD player be installed in a system currently composed of a TV and a VCR? How about installation to a TV & VCR system where the TV has only one video input?


* User Capabilities.


The capabilities required for the User to set up the product are also important. Since the assumptions related to the User for set up may be different from the assumptions about the User in using the product, the wise writer will present the skills (and perhaps regulations) needed to set up the product. A section entitled "Can You Set Up This Product?" will enable the User to make the decision about whether to set the product up themselves, or find outside help.


For example, suppose the product is an electrical light dimmer that is intended to replace the light switch in the User's home. Using the product merely requires adjusting the dimmer's single control to set the desired light level. Installing the product requires experience with home electrical wiring--does the User have these capabilities?


Sometimes, the limitation may be legal. In some jurisdictions -- Quebec, Canada, for example -- only qualified electricians are permitted to install or modify electrical circuits in the home. Thus in Quebec, the general User of the dimmer will not be able to (legally) install the light dimmer.


-- U-P LC Stage: Use the Product


This component is the focus of most User Documentation. It should contain at least these three sub-topics:


- Starting the product


- Actual Use of the product


For most products "Actual Use" is the central focus of the User Document.


Ideally, this should be divided into basic or common product functions, and advanced functions. A good example is photo-editing software. Most Users want to crop, rotate, and adjust the brightness and contrast of the image. These are basic functions. More advanced functions might be combining the parts of one picture with another.


- Shutting down the product


Is there any maintenance to be done at shut down? List it here and in the "Maintain" section.


-- U-P LC Stage: Maintain the Product


Consider breaking this down into time periods, such as: after each use, weekly, monthly, yearly, as applicable.


-- U-P LC Stage: Move the Product


For a computer software program, how the User should move the program and its data to another computer; computer users often upgrade their computer hardware. While it is often assumed that the User should re-install the product on the new computer, there always is the question about moving the data related to the product: where is it located, and how should it be moved so the newly-installed program can recognize it on the new computer?


For a physical product, are there any special considerations in moving the Product to another location?


-- U-P LC Stage: Discard the Product or its By-Products


Here I would like to mention only selling the used product. It might be wise to mention that by keeping the User Manual, the seller may find it easier to sell, and possibly get a higher price, for the used product.


USING THE U-PLC IN YOUR WRITING


As you generate the topics for your User Document make sure that you keep the U-PLC in mind. Ensure that you include topics in your User Document Outline to assist your User in all phases of the U-PLC.


Great User Documents can assist in the UP-LC section that I did not present here: acquisition of the product. Your marketing department may be able to use your GREAT User Document as part of its marketing campaign.


 



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Great technical writing the two edged sword of reader experience


Great Technical Writing: The Two-edged Sword Of Reader Experience


1595


Overview


When we write User Documents we rely on our Reader's/User's experience to simplify our work. This can cause problems for the Reader. This article will discuss the effects of Reader experience and how to minimize the negative effects of incompatible experience, and how to handle the writer's assumptions about the Reader.


Writer's Benefits: Relying on Reader Experience


When we write, we rely on our Reader's experience to give us a "starting point" for our User...


Technical writing user manual instruction document assumptions experience


Overview


When we write User Documents we rely on our Reader's/User's experience to simplify our work. This can cause problems for the Reader. This article will discuss the effects of Reader experience and how to minimize the negative effects of incompatible experience, and how to handle the writer's assumptions about the Reader.


Writer's Benefits: Relying on Reader Experience


When we write, we rely on our Reader's experience to give us a "starting point" for our User Document. Often we make hidden assumptions about our Reader's experience.


Here are some examples where relying on our Reader's experience makes things easy (and causes problems) for us as writers:


Example: Using a Computer's Mouse


In writing User Documentation for Graphical User Interface-based computer products (such as the Windows or Mac User interface), we assume that the the Reader knows how to use a mouse to click on items, drag, etc. This saves much background writing.


Example: Cooking: How to Measure Ingredients; Terms


Cook books save space by (usually correctly) assuming that a Reader can perform basic cooking operations (such as measuring ingredients), and terms (such as puree or slice).


Example: Common Acronyms


We rely on "common" acronyms such as AM and PM to simplify our writing lives. However, many Readers use a 24 hour clock, and thus AM and PM are meaningless to them.


Beware of any acronyms that you assume that your Reader knows. It is best to define acronyms in line (perhaps in parentheses) when they are first presented in that part of the User Document.


You cannot define them only the first time they appear in the User Document. This assumes -- incorrectly -- that Users read your User Document from start to finish.


Problems Writers Cause When Assuming User Experience


Our assumptions as writers can get us into trouble.


Example: Unfamiliar Words


Here's a gardening example: Acme's (a fictitious company) Illustrated Guide to Gardening in Canada (1979) makes an incorrect assumption about its Readers:


In one of their definitions they use a term, "the axil of a leaf" to define another term. "Axil of a leaf" is not listed in the books index, and there is no glossary in the book. Clearly this book assumes that the Reader understands the term "the axil of a leaf." I dont, and am therefore unhappy with the presentation.


Solution: Provide a glossary of gardening terms or a reference to a page in the book where the term is defined.


Example: Assuming Students' Experience


Here is an example where an (unstated) assumption by a training company rendered one of their courses useless.


In order to do the exercises in a computer programming course, students had to be able to use an editor (a simple word processor) to program the system. The only editor available on the course machines was a UNIX editor known as vi.


Unfortunately, the students were not told that they needed to use the vi editor. The course presenters assumed that the students knew vi. The students did not, and they spent half the course time trying to learn and deal with vi.


The hidden assumption by the training company resulted in a failed learning experience (the students never needed to use vi again). It wasted two days of the four-day course time.


Don't Present Assumptions in a Sneaky Way


If the training company had said that, "We train on UNIX systems," then they leave a way out for themselves when they disappoint students who do not know the vi editor. When confronted, the company could respond with, "We told you it was a UNIX system. You should know that vi is the editor available on that system."


This sneaky statement of the assumption is foolish. It will result in a lose-lose situation.


The Bottom Line


As writers, we to make assumptions about our Reader's experience. However, if you make assumptions, then make sure that you tell the Reader what you assume about him/her.


Think about the assumptions that you make about your Reader. Are these assumptions valid (that is, can you really expect your Readers to meet your assumptions)? If there is any doubt in your mind, include information explaining the terms and procedures that you assume.


Make sure that when you state assumptions, that you present them in a way that the Reader (student) can understand what the assumption means to them. Don't be sneaky about presenting the assumptions.


User Experience Can Cause Trouble for Writers


Your Reader's experience can cause confusion. Here are some examples:


Example: Shampoo/Conditioner Product


One of my favorite examples is a combined hair shampoo and conditioner product. If a User has experience with the separate products, then their experience is to:


* Shampoo: Wet thenhair. Massage shampoo into the hair, then rinse it out.
* Conditioner: Wash the hair. Massage conditioner into the wet hair, leave in the hair for two or three minutes, then rinse it out.


The problem arises with the combined product. Should the User leave the product in the hair for two or three minutes (as done with the conditioner), or rinse it immediately (as done with the shampoo)?


The User Document (product label) for a combined shampoo-conditioner should tell the User how to use the two-in-one product. Most such labels do not.


Example: Words Used in Unexpected Ways


Your writing can set the expectations of the Reader, resulting in confusion when words are used unexpectedly.


An article in the Technology Section (of a newspaper on June 10, 2004, page B14) described, "How the little guy can back up computer data". The article was about computers. When I came to the sentence: "Let's face it: backups are boring and a hassle to boot." I wondered about the phrase "to boot."


In computer jargon, "boot" is the process where the computer starts up ("lifts itself by its bootstraps"...by a program originally called a "bootstrap loader"). Does the author's quote about "hassle to boot" mean that if I do backups, then my computer will be slower ("boring") and require more work from me to start up ("hassle to boot")?


The use of the phrase "to boot" is inappropriate in this article, given that "to boot" has multiple meanings. The author used it as slang for "in addition to." Since the article was about computers, I thought of the computer meaning of "to boot." The sentence would be less confusing if the author left out "to boot," as: "Let's face it: backups are boring and a hassle." We'll return to this example shortly.


Example: Functional Fixedness


An object's function is fixed in a person's mind. For example, a hammer's function is to pound things. Experiments have demonstrated that people have a hard time using a hammer for an unusual function, such as a paperweight, a prop, or a lever. This is called functional fixedness.


Functional fixedness can limit the usefulness of your product. Your User Document should attempt to overcome functional fixedness. Perhaps this example will show how critical I am of User Documents.


I have a wrist global positioning satellite (GPS) device that keeps track of my long walks. Sweaters and heavy coats, needed for walking in the winter, make it difficult to wear the GPS device on the wrist. But it is a WRIST device. Functional fixedness arises, causing me struggle to use the GPS on my wrist. But it turns out that the GPS works well when used in a pocket.


The GPS User Document should mention this (obvious?) capability, thus reducing the functional fixedness associated with the WRIST GPS. In my defense: I am not sure that putting the wrist GPS in a pocket is more obvious than using a hammer as a paperweight.


Example: Humor


Humor relies on:


. a subtle knowledge of the language (for example a pun)
. or a knowledge of an event (perhaps a current event or entertainment event)


on which the humor is based. Here's an example, from an old joke:


"You're so funny, you should be on a stage. There's one leaving in 15 minutes."


This joke relies on the Reader's knowing the two meanings of "stage": (1) a place for performing, and (2) transportation used in the western United States in the 1800's. Most Readers might not know the second meaning, rendering the humor a confusing waste of words.


Earlier we examined the sentence: "Let's face it: backups are boring and a hassle to boot." The author used the phrase "to boot" as some form of folksy talk or humor. It confused the Reader.


Eliminate Humor from Your User Document


. Humor will only confuse Users who do not understand it.
. Humor is difficult, if not impossible, to translate into other languages.


I suggest that you use a writing style that is informal and conversational, but with no attempts at humor. Remove attempts at humor when you review and revise your writing.


If you want to write humor, do it elsewhere (you should be on a stage). User Documents are no place to practice your humor.


The Bottom Line


Assumptions


Be careful about what you assume about your Reader. When in doubt whether or not a Reader knows something:


. State your assumptions about your Reader
State the assumptions in a way that the Reader can relate to
. When in doubt, add the information that you assume, or
. Tell your Reader where to find the assumed information
By providing or pointing to this assumed information, you increase your audience


Readers' Experience


Be aware of how your Reader's experience influences how he/she interprets your User Document or uses your product. If necessary add material to your User Document to counter your Reader's incompatible experience.


 



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Great golf courses across america


Great Golf Courses Across America


One of the most beautiful aspects of the game of golf is the variance between playing terrains. There are great courses, and there are terrible ones, but there's a world of new playing experiences available to you. In this article, we'll highlight some of the top places to play golf across America.


- Pebble Beach Golf Links is one course that has received much critical acclaim. Located in Pebble Beach, California, the course has brought class and elegance to the game of g...


Golf Courses, Sports, Games


One of the most beautiful aspects of the game of golf is the variance between playing terrains. There are great courses, and there are terrible ones, but there's a world of new playing experiences available to you. In this article, we'll highlight some of the top places to play golf across America.


- Pebble Beach Golf Links is one course that has received much critical acclaim. Located in Pebble Beach, California, the course has brought class and elegance to the game of golf since its inception in 1919. It was ranked the number one public golf course in America in Golf Digest's 2005 list. The terrain is a thing of beauty, with holes cutting across ragged coastline and the great Pacific Ocean being incorporated into most holes. Spanning 6,737 yards, this 72-par course has been host to numerous golfing events throughout the years, with the 2000 U.S. Open Championships being held the most recently at the course.


- Located in Pinehurst, North Carolina is the Pinehurst Resort and Country Club. This historic golfing locale has been around since 1895, and features 8 separate golf courses, allowing for much diversity in play. Spanning over 2,000 acres, you can spend weeks just getting used to the different courses. A wonderful place to vacation, Pinehurst also features much in the way of accommodations and recreation.


- Shadow Creek is a golf course located in North Las Vegas. Designed by an architect of much critical acclaim named Tom Brizio, the course is featured in an extravagant package that you can purchase at one of Vegas's MGM Mirage properties. Upon setting your tee time, a private limousine will pick you up at the hotel and transport you to the course. The landscape of the course is highlighted by beautiful scenes, with waterfalls, creeks and mountains dotting the landscape. Be sure to check out the 18th hole at Shadow Creek; it is a trademark of the beauty and careful thought that went into creating the course.


These are merely a few of the best public courses throughout America. There are hundreds of wonderful courses out there, and as a golfer, you're encouraged to make at least a few pilgrimages to the beautiful courses our land has to offer.


 



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Great reasons to work abroad


Great Reasons to Work Abroad


Working abroad is as easy as finding a job in an exotic location of your choice, getting the paperwork done, and buying a plane ticket. You obviously need to make some important lifestyle and living considerations before you quit your day job, but finding a job overseas is not as daunting a task as one may think at first glance.


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Are you sick of the humdrum of your day job? Have you ever imagined yourself on a tropical getaway when you were supposed to be working? Have you ever wondered why your life is so monotonous and stressful even though you should be happy with your position? Maybe it is time you made a drastic change to your entire lifestyle, beginning with your environment. Perhaps you need to consider working abroad.


What if your daily commute included a walk on the beach? What if it was summer year around? What if your commute, instead of involving traffic jams, involved you cruising along the sunlit seashore with nothing but a warm ocean breeze obstructing your path? This may sound too good to be true, but it is not even close to an exaggeration of what is possible with a career abroad.


Working abroad is as easy as finding a job in an exotic location of your choice, getting the paperwork done, and buying a plane ticket. You obviously need to make some important lifestyle and living considerations before you quit your day job, but finding a job overseas is not as daunting a task as one may think at first glance.


When working abroad, you will have lifestyle opportunities that most dream about. Overseas, especially in the Caribbean, companies are always in need of skilled employees to fulfill positions which are as diverse and varied as any society in any city. Working abroad may offer brand new opportunities not only in regards to environment and lifestyle, but even in job position and promotions. A new career in a new country can mean a second chance for you to be the best at what you do.


One of the obvious benefits of working abroad is the vacation like atmosphere. You will react with people who are in a good mood and on vacation on a regular basis. You will probably meet tourists from all over the world, and your social life will be more fluid than you ever dreamed possible.


With an exciting new career abroad, you will have an opportunity to become who you want to be. The potential for a new lifestyle and career abroad are so expansive that you will only be cheating yourself if you do not consider it for your future. Have an intelligent, experienced company which specializes in finding people jobs overseas give you a consultation today.


 



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Great savings in postcard printing


Great Savings in Postcard Printing


The cost of living is pretty high nowadays that we need to consider saving a penny. Clothesline, groceries, and office supplies - everything has increased in value. Thus, extra effort to save is a must.


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Every penny counts. This is the reason why I am cautious where to spend it. We need to be a spend-thrift, not simply because it is wise but because it is a must.
I am into postcards and every once in a while I am tasked to take charge of the whole process - from the conceptualization up to printing. If you are to see it in a packaging it may seem a pretty taxing process. In fact, the entire thing takes a lot of effort and money. Nonetheless, it may also be on the contrary.

Printing rate is a big factor that you need to consider in dealing with postcards. Many postcard designs are 'ganged' in order to save on both money and time. Ganging print dramatically slashes the price of each printing job at a faster printing process. Basically, that is hitting two birds at the same time.

Ganging print goes like this, if you are going to print 12 different postcard designs on different sheets, in ganging it will be run through the press just once. By now, you can see the effect.

Another consideration that can he

 



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Great hobbies and investments motorcycle restoration


Great Hobbies and Investments: Motorcycle Restoration


As a motorcycle enthusiast or a bike nut, restoring vintage bikes may have crossed your mind. In fact, it may be all that you think about. So, why should you start a motorcycle restoration hobby? For starters, this kind of hobby is a lot of fun especially for a motorcycle enthusiast like you. Just imagine being able to bring back a vintage Harley Davidson back to life and be able to ride it around town?


This is really something that every biker dreams about and it will also be something that you will turn in to a reality once you decide to start restoring vintage motorcycles.


Although motorcycle restoration is a time consuming hobby, you will find that with patience, dedication and a little elbow grease will surely pay off. And, although it will also get you to spend a significant amount of cash, you will find that this type of hobby is not really about spending money. In fact, you are actually investing your money in order for you to profit from your hobby.


How?


Well, you need to remember that vintage motorcycles are very much in demand today. Its a collectors item and if you fully restore a vintage bike and give it back its former glory aesthetically and mechanically, people will pay good money for it. In fact, some bikes that cost a hundred thousand dollars to restore can be easily sold for half a million or even a full million dollars on auction houses.


Thats how lucrative this kind of hobby is. In fact, some people who saw that business potential for restoring motorcycles made this hobby a full time job or business. A lot of people today are now restoring vintage bikes to be sold on auction while other people restore other peoples classic or vintage bikes.


Now, if you really love to restore motorcycles, you will find that this type of hobby is for you. And, by making this a business, you will surely have a lot of fun making money out of it. Besides, its really not everyday that you will find a hobby that you get paid for, right?


Just remember that the hardest part about restoring vintage bikes is finding spare parts for it. You may need to look hard for it and you should expect that you will eventually make a lot of phone calls just to get the part you need in order to restore vintage motorcycles.


You may want to try joining clubs that have an interest in vintage bikes. Here, you may find members that may be selling the parts you need in order for you to restore a vintage bike.


If all else fails, you can also get the part fabricated. But, the overall value of the motorcycle will go down. Always remember that if you want the value for the vintage bike to really go up, you should try getting all original parts to be installed in the bike you are restoring.


As you can see, motorcycle restoration as a hobby can also make you a lot of money. So, if you love to tinker with machinery and you love motorcycles, you should definitely try restoring motorcycles as a hobby as well as a business.


 



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