Content is…

Presentation Abstract

Some surprising facts about the rich heritage (and clear portends regarding the future) of technical content development:

Do you know where the precursors to HTML came from? Did you know there are only about 6 different classification systems?

Keep in mind that the Information Business was totally not cool before computers and the web. Think librarian and revenge of the nerds. The most surprising thing is where this is going, based on the past. Making comparisons from Moore’s law (demonstrates microelectronic growth trends) and the information industry, we have some answers. The back-water enterprises and general low-prestige of content development is vanishing. Information is power. Information is value. Creating quality, high-value content will beat a path to your door. Web traffic, click counts and the worlds of thousands of marketing buzzwords meet authentic content. Silo busting and a turn from defensive to offensive is the most exciting trend to happen to information development, ever.

“People tend to overestimate what can be done in one year and to underestimate what can be done in five or ten years.” Licklider

Meet the Presenter

CharlesDowdellCharles Dowdell has held his current position at AGCO for 3 years. Prior he worked in technical information management and technical publications for 10 years in a division of Toyota Industrial Equipment. Dowdell overall, has 20 years experience of increasing responsibility in managing the development and distribution of technical information in a variety of different industries ranging from digital wireless systems to heavy equipment to microelectronics capital equipment. His teams have been awarded with the Society of Technical Communications (STC) International Distinguished Award as well as the Rare Bird Award from the Center for Information Development Management (CIDM). He holds undergraduate degrees in Electronics technology and Management as well as a Graduate degree from Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool).

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