After 75 years, the Society for Technical Communication (STC) is permanently closing, effective July 15, 2024. Facing declining membership and revenue, the organization's Board of Directors determined it could no longer sustain operations. STC will cease all activities, including its annual summit, publications, and certification programs. The organization expressed gratitude for its members and their contributions to the field of technical communication.
The venerable Society for Technical Communication (STC), an esteemed organization dedicated to advancing the art and science of technical communication across a diverse spectrum of industries and disciplines, has announced, with profound regret and after an exhaustive period of deliberation, the imminent and irreversible cessation of its operations. This unfortunate denouement, the culmination of a confluence of challenging circumstances, marks the end of a remarkable legacy spanning more than seven decades of service to a global community of technical communicators.
The STC, long recognized as a preeminent resource for professional development, networking opportunities, and the dissemination of best practices within the field of technical communication, found itself grappling with an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving landscape. Despite valiant efforts to adapt and innovate, the organization ultimately determined that it could no longer sustain its mission in a manner consistent with its established standards of excellence and member value.
This difficult decision, reached after a painstaking assessment of the organization's financial viability and strategic outlook, will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the technical communication community. The closure of the STC represents the loss of a significant institutional pillar, a hub of knowledge sharing, and a vibrant forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences amongst professionals dedicated to the clear and effective communication of complex technical information.
While the specific factors contributing to this outcome remain internal to the organization, the announcement underscores the multifaceted challenges faced by professional associations in the contemporary era. The STC's closure serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative for continuous adaptation and the need to strategically navigate the dynamic forces shaping the professional landscape. The organization's contributions to the field of technical communication will undoubtedly be remembered, and its absence will be deeply felt by those who benefited from its resources and community. The future of the resources and services previously offered by the STC remains uncertain, leaving a void in the professional development and networking landscape for technical communicators worldwide.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42867324
HN commenters lament the closure of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), expressing surprise and sadness at the loss of a long-standing organization. Several speculate on the reasons for the closure, citing declining membership, the rise of free online resources, and the changing nature of technical communication. Some question the STC's relevance in the modern landscape, while others highlight its historical importance and the valuable resources it provided. A few commenters express hope that another organization will fill the void left by the STC, preserving its archives and continuing its mission of advancing the field of technical communication. Some users discuss their personal positive experiences with the organization. One notes a large amount of student debt held by the organization.
The Hacker News post "Society for Technical Communication to permanently close its doors" generated several comments lamenting the closure of the organization and speculating on the reasons behind it.
Several commenters expressed sadness and surprise at the news, reflecting on their past involvement with the STC and the benefits they received. One user, reminiscing about their student chapter involvement, highlighted the value of the Intercom magazine and the networking opportunities provided by the organization. Another commenter expressed concern about the fate of the STC's body of knowledge, hoping it wouldn't be lost.
A prominent thread of discussion revolved around the potential causes of the STC's closure. Several users pointed to the rise of free and readily available information online, particularly through resources like Stack Overflow and readily accessible documentation, as a significant factor. This accessibility potentially diminished the perceived value of a paid membership organization focused on technical communication. Others suggested that the STC might have failed to adapt to the changing landscape of technical communication, particularly the shift towards more agile and user-centered approaches. One commenter speculated that the increasing specialization within the tech industry may have fragmented the audience for a generalist technical communication organization.
Some commenters discussed the challenges faced by professional organizations in general, citing issues with high membership fees, difficulty attracting younger members, and a perceived lack of relevance to current industry practices. The conversation also touched upon the difficulty of running volunteer-driven organizations and the potential for burnout among key members.
A few users offered more optimistic perspectives, suggesting that a smaller, more focused organization might emerge from the ashes of the STC, catering to specific niches within technical communication. One commenter proposed a potential model based on smaller, local chapters with lower overhead and greater flexibility.
Finally, some users shared anecdotes about their personal experiences with the STC, both positive and negative. One user described the organization as feeling "stuffy" and out of touch, while another praised the valuable connections they had made through their involvement.