Monthly Meeting
The Berkeley chapter meets the second Wednesday of the month.As a reminder, since March 2001, our meeting location is the Silver Dragon Chinese restaurant, which is in downtown Oakland on Webster near 8th.
As a result of our change of venue, our dinner pricing structure has increased by $3. STC members now pay $20, nonmembers pay $23, and students pay $17. The meeting-only prices remain the same: $12 for STC members or nonmembers and $10 for students.
There are two ways to RSVP:
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RSVP using our
online storefront.
Use your MasterCard, AMEX, or Visa card to pay for your reservation. Please enjoy our new online payment feature. -
RSVP by regular mail.
Please send your payment by check (payable to Berkeley STC) to:
Ruth Wright
586 Vernon Street
Oakland, CA 94610
In either case, reservations for dinner must be received by noon on the Tuesday prior to the meeting.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 9, 2001
Blue Skies, No Candy: Pros and Cons of Freelancing
Technical communicators at all levels seem to be interested in freelancing. In fact, many cite a desire to work independently as one of the motivating forces in their decision to enter the profession.
Freelancing can be heavenly, hellish, or both; this panel discussion addresses the question of why, how, and when both of these descriptors can apply. The panelists range from diehard independent contractors to steadfast staffers, with a few transitioners thrown in. They'll share their experiences and stories and participate in an audience-driven open Q&A session.
Sarah Lee Hauslinger had her own consulting business for 15 years before joining Intraspect Software last October as Director of Publications.
Richard Mateosian was an independent contractor for many years before "going captive". He is now with Documentum.
Marla Wilson has her own business, Printed Page Productions. She has been self-employed for well over a decade.
Thomas Albert is a Senior Technical Writer with MDLI, and teaches in the UC Berkeley Extension Technical Communication Program.
Judith Herr started her own business, Well Chosen Words, after a ten-year stint with SAIC in 1999.
Come and join us on May 9th for what promises to be a lively and interactive program.
Reservations must be received by the morning of the Tuesday prior to the meeting.
Program Ideas?
If you have a suggestion for a meeting topic you'd like to hear more about or if you'd like to be a presenter, send an email to Ruth Wright, VP of Programs.
Fees
For the meeting and dinner:
- Members: $20
- Non-members: $23
- Student members: $17
To attend the program only:
- Members and non-members: $12
- Students: $10
Please remember that if you wish to come to the dinner, your reservation must be received by the Monday prior to the meeting. You can reserve your spot by paying online or by mailing a check to Ruth Wright, 586 Vernon, Oakland, CA 94610. If you wish to attend the program only, you can pay at the door.
For information on how to become a member, click here.
Agenda
- 6:00 -- Networking, conversation, no-host bar
- 6:30 -- Buffet served
- 7:15 -- Chapter business, announcements, jobs available*
- 7:30 -- Formal program
- 8:30 -- Conversation, off-line questions for the speakers, follow-up on job announcements
- 9:30 -- Clear the room, move conversations to the sidewalk
*Attendees are encouraged to announce open positions. Please bring job listings for distribution. Recruiters may introduce themselves, but may not describe open positions in detail. Save that for one-on-one after the program.
Location
Silver Dragon Restaurant835 Webster, Oakland, CA
510-893-3748
(downtown Oakland near 8th St., walking distance from the Oakland City Center/12th St. BART station)