Category Archives: web

Try Google Helpouts

Ever heard of Google Helpouts? Most likely you may have heard of Google Hangouts if you use Google+. Helpouts is the professional sibling of Hangouts, which experts in anything can share their knowledge for free or for a price. Depending on what you need help in, you can schedule a session for advice on medicine, science, technology, writing, and much more.

Screen shot of Roger's Helpouts Listing

Roger’s listing on Helpouts

When Helpouts premiered in November 2013, ArsTechnica wrote a small piece about it. I felt it was neat to see that an online tech news site covered Helpouts and that I was part of this new venture. It was a wide rollout that can show how Google and everyday people can monetize face-to-face interaction.

The underlying technology of Hangouts is no different in Helpouts. For example, you can have a two-way video and audio conference with customers and service providers. All that a user needs is a webcam, microphone, and a high-speed internet connection. Additionally, tools, such as Google Drive and screen share are extremely useful. In my case, both are wonderful collaboration tools for me to review, edit, and provide feedback on documents.

Screen shot of Hangouts

Helpouts looks similar and has the same tools found in Hangouts.

Right now, my scope includes documents, but it could expand to screen sharing, remote computer service, and training. These Helpout sessions remind me of the work I once did as a Writing Tutor for the Center for Student Success at New Mexico Tech. I would consult with students about their papers for 15 or 30 minutes. Essentially, I’m doing the same but for a small fee and via the internet.

Currently, the marketplace for these services varies and I understand that people’s time and money is valuable. If you want to try Google Helpouts for my services, I would greatly appreciate the business. Google says that you will like Helpouts and offers a 100% money back guarantee.

Check out my 15 minute Helpout for documents that are 500-1000 words (1-2 pages long)  or my 30 minute Helpout for documents longer than 1000 words .

Your documents deserve better with some editing and feedback love.

November STC CAC Webinars

Earlier this month, Viqui Dill and I presented on Social Media, Websites, Wikis, Email, and more for the Society for Technical Communication Community Affairs Committee (STC CAC). This time, we were invited by Cindy Pao to present on these topics. These presentations are expanded forms of our STC 2013 Summit Leadership Day progression presentations–which limited us to split 20 minutes on these topics.

We worked on our presentations back in April–brainstorming ideas and splitting our talks. What was amazing back then was our knowledge complemented each other very well and we could cross-link our thoughts and ideas across. Also we put our research in the form of handouts to provide communities with alternatives and tips for using these new communication technologies.

Here’s our newly updated presentations:

Viqui Dill’s Presentation

Adobe Connect Presentation

 

Roger Renteria’s Presentation

Adobe Connect Presentation

 

Both presentations were fun and very informative. I’d love to present more of these webinars and progressions in the future.

Related: STC 2013 Summit Wrap-Up

STC 2013 Summit Wrap-Up

Did you miss my progression presentations? Or did you lose my handout that I gave you? Not to worry! I have you covered. I’ll give you a second chance to keep a copy and share it with everyone else!

STC 2013 Leadership Day Progressions

STC 2013 Leadership Day Progressions (Photo: Rick Lippincott)

For those who were unable to make it to either Leadership Day or the Professional Development progressions at the STC 60th Annual Summit, you missed out! Not to worry, you can find my slides and handouts on my SlideShare page.

Leadership Day: Social Media, Websites, Wikis, and Email

 

 

Related material for websites: Evolution of a Website Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Professional Development Progression: Carpe Opportunitas! Seize the “Professional Development” Opportunity.


 

 

Leadership Day was awesome!

I really enjoyed presenting this year, it was a lot of fun. I especially liked working with Viqui Dill on the Leadership Day progression. If you are a STC community leader and need help with websites, such as WordPress, I can assist you with setting up the basics to get you started. If you know of anyone who needs help with a basic WordPress site, I can assist with my professional services as well. I highly recommend spending the extra $20 to attend Leadership Day if you are a leader of a community. You definitely get your money’s worth in coffee, tea, and valuable knowledge that you can take home to improve your group!

More coverage of STC Leadership Day on Lanyrd.

For more coverage of STC, check out

I look forward to seeing everyone soon, whether it will be later this year at LavaCon or STC 2014 in Phoenix.