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 blog post argues that file systems, particularly hierarchical ones, are a form of hypermedia that predates the web. It highlights how directories act like web pages, containing links (files and subdirectories) that can lead to other content or executable programs. This linking structure, combined with metadata like file types and modification dates, allows for navigation and information retrieval similar to browsing the web. The post further suggests that the web's hypermedia capabilities essentially replicate and expand upon the fundamental principles already present in file systems, emphasizing a deeper connection between these two technologies than commonly recognized.
Hacker News users largely praised the article for its clear explanation of file systems as a foundational hypermedia system. Several commenters highlighted the elegance and simplicity of this concept, often overlooked in the modern web's complexity. Some discussed the potential of leveraging file system principles for improved web experiences, like decentralized systems or simpler content management. A few pointed out limitations, such as the lack of inherent versioning in basic file systems and the challenges of metadata handling. The discussion also touched on related concepts like Plan 9 and the semantic web, contrasting their approaches to linking and information organization with the basic file system model. Several users reminisced about early computing experiences and the directness of navigating files and folders, suggesting a potential return to such simplicity.
The blog post "Standard Patterns in Choice-Based Games" identifies common narrative structures used in choice-driven interactive fiction. It categorizes these patterns into timed choices, gated content based on stats or inventory, branching paths with varying consequences, hubs with radiating storylines, and hidden information or states that influence outcomes. The post argues that these patterns, while useful, can become predictable and limit the potential of the medium if overused. It advocates for greater experimentation with non-linearity and player agency, suggesting ideas like procedurally generated content, emergent narrative, and exploring the impact of player choice on the world beyond immediate consequences.
HN users discuss various aspects of choice-based games, focusing on the tension between player agency and authorial intent. Some highlight the "illusion of choice," where options ultimately lead to similar outcomes, frustrating players seeking meaningful impact. Others argue for embracing this, suggesting that the emotional journey, not branching narratives, is key. The implementation of choice is debated, with some advocating for simple, clear options, while others find value in complex systems with hidden consequences, even if they add development complexity. The importance of replayability is also raised, with the suggestion that games should offer new perspectives and outcomes on subsequent playthroughs. Finally, the use of randomness and procedural generation is discussed as a way to enhance variety and replayability, but with the caveat that it must be carefully balanced to avoid feeling arbitrary.
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.