How to go back to your last edit March 27, 2007
Posted by iawalsh in : Misc, How do I ?, Writing, Troubleshooting, Cool Tricks, Tips , add a commentYou can tell Word to undo a mistake you’ve made and to change it back to what you wrote a few minutes ago.
If you’ve made a mistake when writing, for example deleted a few paragraphs by accident, the first reaction may be to panic. How do I get it back? Do I have to write it all again?
One way to do this is to use the Undo feature in Word. This lets you go back in time, step by step, until you find the first version of the text you wrote.
Here’s how it works: 
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In the Word document, press Ctrl and Z. This performs one Undo. It undoes the last edit you made to the document.
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Press Ctrl and Z. This performs another Undo. It undoes the second last edit you made.
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Continue to press Ctrl and Z to undo as many edits as you want.
When you’ve found the text that you were after, save the document, preferably with some naming convention that makes sense to you, for example, June Report Draft 2.
Rather than keeping one version of a document, especially one you’ll re-write many times, save it with a different version number as you work on it. This avoids losing all your work if the document crashes, which can happen if you repeatedly format a document and make changes to its layout.
At the end of the project, delete the initial drafts, then create a Gold Copy of the final draft and save it in the Archives.
Writing Effective Short Descriptions January 25, 2007
Posted by iawalsh in : Misc, How do I ?, Writing, Style, Templates , 1 comment so far
Short descriptions should explain what the subject matter helps the reader to accomplish, the purpose of using it, or the benefits it offers to the reader.
Do not simply repeat the title of the page or document. Avoid stating the obvious, such as “You can use the Paste option to paste text”.
Try to add more information about why the task is beneficial. Include information that helps the reader understand when to perform this task and in what circumstances it is necessary to do so.
Example of an ineffective description:
Creating a proposal template: You can create a proposal template with the proposal wizard. This short description does not tell why using the wizard is important or beneficial. It simply states the obvious and generates no interest in the reader. Will they try it? Not likely.
Example of an effective description:
Creating an RFP Proposal template: By using the proposal template, you can speed up the documentation process, use the pre-defined styles and formatting to ensure that your proposal gets submitted on time.
This description outlines some of the benefits the proposal wizard offers the reader. It is more likely to stimulate their interest.
Example of an ineffective description:
Pasting Text: You can use the Paste option to paste text into your document. This description does not tell users the benefit or purpose of pasting text.
Example of an effective description:
Pasting Text: Use the Paste option to paste text, objects, or images into your document. Use the Paste Special option to retain formatting, for example, if you want to copy content from a website and bring over both the text and images.
The effective description is better because it describes the different types of pasting and the reasons you’d use Paste Special instead of the standard paste option. After reading this, the reader feels more informed and better placed to make a decision.
How to go back to your last edit December 4, 2006
Posted by iawalsh in : Misc, How do I ?, Writing, Troubleshooting, Cool Tricks, Tips , add a comment
Did you know that you can tell Word to undo any mistake you’ve made and go back to what you wrote a few minutes ago? If you’ve made a mistake when writing, for example deleted a few paragraphs by accident, the first reaction may be to panic. How do I get it back? Do I have to write it all again?
One way to do this is to use the Undo feature in Word. This lets you go back in time, step by step, until you find the first version of the text you wrote.
Here’s how it works:
-
Press Ctrl and Z. This performs one Undo. It undoes the last edit you made to the document.
-
Press Ctrl and Z. This performs another Undo. It undoes the second last edit you made.
-
Continue to press Ctrl and Z to undo as many edits as you want.
When you’ve found the text that you were after save the document, preferably with some naming convention that makes sense to you, for example, June Report Draft 2.
Rather than keeping one version of a document, especially one you’ll re-write many times, save it with a different version number as you work on it. This avoids losing all you work if the document crashes, which can happen if you repeatedly format a document and make changes to its layout.
At the end of the project, delete the initial drafts, then create a Gold Copy of the final draft and save it in the Archives.
Change the Windows Desktop Theme November 29, 2006
Posted by iawalsh in : How do I ?, Writing, Troubleshooting, Cool Tricks, Tips , add a comment
Like its brother-in-arms, the Screensaver, the Windows Desktop Themes eat away at your computer’s memory. Unless you really need them, uninstall! You’ll have a much quicker and more reliable machine.To change or remove desktop themes, follow these steps:
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On the Desktop, right-click and click Properties.
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Click the Themes tab.
3. In the Theme box, select the theme you want or click None.
Tip: if you have to use a theme, select one with few graphics.
WordPress Enter Corporate Marketplace November 29, 2006
Posted by iawalsh in : Writing , add a commentWordPress CEO Toni Schneider outlines why Wordpress have moved into the enterprise space. He highlights that, “Fortune 500 companies are discovering WordPress. They are figuring out that blogging is a great tool for fostering more open and active collaboration with customers and between employees.”
Wordpress began addressing this “enterprise demand” a few months ago with our professional support subscriptions for companies who need help deploying the WordPress open source package.
He then continues by adding that ”knowing that we have little experience with enterprise sales and integration, we decided to look for a partner. Our search led us to KnowNow, a leading provider of enterprise RSS solutions. KnowNow is building an impressive list of Fortune 500 customers for their RSS aggregation tools. Given their proven ability to satisfy enterprise customers and the complementary nature of RSS and blogging, we feel that they are an ideal partner to bring to market an enterprise optimized version of WordPress.”
You can learn more over here at the KnowNow WordPress Enterprise Edition site.
20 Golden Rules For Submitting Articles November 29, 2006
Posted by iawalsh in : Writing, Tips , add a commentThe acceptance rate for many freelance writers is between 25% and 40%.
In my own experience though, I’ve had an almost 75% acceptance rate.
Oh, really?
Yes. But, it hasn’t happened overnight. From trial and error, I’ve picked up a few tricks that seem to make all the difference.
If you follow the 20 Commandments listed below, you should be able to turn your queries into paying assignments.
Here’s a suggested plan-of-attack!
1. Keep your query letter concise. Briefly introduce yourself and your article idea. Mention which upcoming issue your article will suit their editorial calendar
.2. Always include 2 - 4 relevant credits and a link to your online portfolio; don’t make the Editor do the spadework!
Avoid attaching large files (e.g. massive PDFs) with your introductory query. You’ll choke their inbox! If you don’t have a website, ask if/when you can send over the PDF files.
3. Read several previous issues of the publication to get a sense of its tone and style.
4. Keep to the Editor’s original assignment spec; if you need to change anything, speak with him or her immediately. This assignment spec outlines the topic, scope and direction for your article.
5. Meet your deadline. If there is a problem, call the Editor immediately.
If you miss your deadline, you will probably not get paid, and you will certainly not get another commission.
6. Submit articles in the correct format, such as Microsoft Word. Don’t expect that they have MAC, Quark or WordPerfect. Ask the editor if you don’t know which format is required.
Be proactive in the best possible way.
7. Avoid over formatting the document. Keep it as plain as possible and you’ll save their production team having to re-edit your work.If they provide you with a template, use it!
8. Send graphics in the required file format, e.g. TIFF files with 300dpi. 9. Whenever possible, send relevant art, charts, screen shots, tables and other graphics (with their sources) to accompany your story. 10. Include a list of sources used in the article, with names, company affiliations and e-mail addresses. 11. Proofread and spellcheck copy before submission. Then do it again! 12. Always keep your audience in mind when writing. Avoid jargon. Spell out acronyms on first reference. 13. Avoid promoting products and/or services in which you have a stake.If you have a relationship with a vendor, say it to the Editor before starting.
14. Identify any sources (e.g. analysts, executives) that you mention. Don’t just say: “The CEO announced that…“. Mention his/her name upfront. 15. Spell out acronyms when first mentioned, e.g. that the UML is the Unified Modelling Language. 16. Define uncommon or little-used terms, e.g. virtualization; otherwise, only the technologies will know what you mean. 17. Double-check the spelling of individuals and companies, and use the name preferred by the company.Check how to present company names, e.g. in PeopleSoft the S is capitalized. In addition, the correct term for the web portal is Yahoo! Inc – note the exclamation mark after Yahoo.
18. Avoid clichés, buzzwords and figure-of-speeches. It dilutes the impact of your writing. 19. Don’t indulge in hyperbole — i.e. listing superlative product features. 20. Send the article to the correct email address. This may sound obvious, but… As I specialize in writing for business and IT publications, the emphasis here is on technology related publications. However, I’m sure that if you follow the steps outlined above, you will improve your relationship with Editors — which is the first step in winning new businessFreelance Writers, Make your Articles Work For You! November 29, 2006
Posted by iawalsh in : Writing , add a commentSubmitting articles to publications is a surefire way to increase traffic to your site. It will also raise your profile as a writer and lead to new business leads and freelance assignments.
Every Wednesday, I send out 5 articles to different magazines and publications. It’s hard to determine which are the most effective, but one thing I know – when I stop submitting the articles, my site traffic goes down!
So, here are a few tips when submitting articles:
1. Make sure you have the full rights to publish the material. DO NOT submit material if you have already assigned exclusive publication rights to another person or organization.
2. Avoid promotional type articles. Don’t disguise the real source. If an Editor receives a product review this is not balanced or appears to be ’slanted’, they will be suspicious and reject it.
3. Write your article on a topic that relates to the main readership. Don’t write an article that you think they SHOULD be interested in. I know this sounds obvious…
4. Don’t criticize a product without backing up your opinion with facts, quotes or research.
5. Use graphics to enhance your article. GIF or JPEGs are the best for web publications. Learn how to reduce their size, if possible. Try to stay under 15K.
Tip: Finally, confirm if you retain ownership of the material.
Many publications do not require exclusivity, which means that you can also publish the article on your own site. Be warned, some publications wont let you do this!
PS - Ask if you can also grant others the right to publish your article.
Take a look at what these sites offer:
Regards,
Ivan
Animating Text November 27, 2006
Posted by iawalsh in : Misc, How do I ?, Formatting, Writing, Templates, Cool Tricks, Tips , 1 comment so farAnimating Text
1. Select the text you want to animate.
2. Click Format, Font, and then the Text Effects tab.
3. In the Animations box, click the effect you want, for example Sparkle Text.
You can preview the animation in the box at the bottom of the menu.
Only one animation effect can be selected at a time.
Create Subscript Text November 27, 2006
Posted by iawalsh in : Misc, How do I ?, Formatting, Writing, Templates, Cool Tricks, Tips , add a commentCreate Subscript Text
1. Select the text that you want to format as Subscript.
2. Click Format, Font, and then the Font tab.
3. Select the Subscript checkbox.
Keyboard shortcut: Press CTRL+=
Create Superscript Text November 27, 2006
Posted by iawalsh in : Misc, How do I ?, Formatting, Writing, Templates, Cool Tricks, Tips , add a comment
Create Superscript Text 1. Select the text that you want to change into Superscript.
2. Click Format, Font, and then the Font tab.
3. Select the Superscript checkbox.
Keyboard shortcut: Press CTRL+SHIFT+=