---
title: "2014 archives"
description: "{% for post in site.posts %} {% capture year %}{{post.date | date:"
canonical_url: https://idratherbewriting.com/archives-2014/index.html
---

> For AI agents: a documentation index is available at https://idratherbewriting.com/llms.txt. Markdown versions of all pages are available by appending .md to any page URL.

# 2014 archives

1. [Various Site updates: Added third column with dynamic sidebar, and more](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/29/various-site-updates-added-third-column-with-dynamic-sidebar-and-more/) | Dec 29, 2014
2. [Question: Where are API documentation jobs for technical writers located?](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/24/question-where-are-api-documentation-jobs-for-technical-writers-located/) | Dec 24, 2014
3. [API doc survey: Authoring tools preferred by API documentation writers](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/24/authoring-tools-preferred-by-api-doc-writers-in-my-survey/) | Dec 24, 2014
4. [Learning how developers think, and other API doc insights: Podcast with Joe Malin](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/22/learning-how-developers-think-and-other-api-doc-insights-podcast-with-joe-malin/) | Dec 22, 2014
5. [API doc survey: The most common programming languages tech writers know](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/22/most-common-programming-languages-tech-writers-in-my-survey-know/) | Dec 22, 2014
6. [API doc survey: The most popular type of APIs that technical writers document](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/17/the-most-popular-type-of-apis-that-technical-writers-document/) | Dec 17, 2014
7. [Getting a job in API documentation: Podcast with Andrew Davis](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/17/getting-a-job-in-api-documentation-podcast-with-andrew-davis/) | Dec 17, 2014
8. [I need your responses to my API Documentation Survey](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/12/i-need-your-responses-to-my-api-documentation-survey/) | Dec 12, 2014
9. [Authoring tools for startups -- Guest post by Vinish Garg](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/11/authoring-tools-for-startups-guest-post-by-vinish-garg/) | Dec 11, 2014
10. [Podcast download stats kind of mind-blowing](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/09/podcast-download-stats-kind-of-mind-blowing/) | Dec 9, 2014
11. [DITA: Glossary terms and acronyms](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/04/dita-glossary-terms-and-acronyms/) | Dec 4, 2014
12. [Free from limitations and imaginary lines](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/04/free-from-limitations-and-imaginary-lines/) | Dec 4, 2014
13. [Convert Markdown Content to DITA in 20 seconds](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/12/03/convert-markdown-to-dita-in-20-seconds/) | Dec 3, 2014
14. [The Upcoming TC Camp Unconference and my morning API workshop](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/28/the-upcoming-tc-camp-unconference-and-my-morning-api-workshop/) | Nov 28, 2014
15. [Upcoming API Workshop with Sarah Maddox](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/28/upcoming-api-workshop-with-sarah-maddox/) | Nov 28, 2014
16. [Tech comm on a map: See all the tech comm groups, meetups, conferences, events, and consultants on a Google map](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/25/tech-comm-on-a-map-see-all-the-tech-comm-groups-meetups-conferences-events-and-consultants-on-a-google-map/) | Nov 25, 2014
17. [Dynamic content filtering with OxygenXML's webhelp output](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/19/dynamic-content-filtering-with-oxygenxmls-webhelp-output/) | Nov 19, 2014
18. [Add a mini-TOC to your OxygenXML webhelp topics](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/13/add-a-mini-toc-to-your-oxygenxml-webhelp-topics/) | Nov 13, 2014
19. [Crystal Springs Reservoir ride, and other details](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/09/crystal-springs-reservoir-ride-and-other-details/) | Nov 9, 2014
20. [Impressions from my first Write the Docs meetup](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/08/attended-my-first-write-the-docs-meetup/) | Nov 8, 2014
21. [The Evolution of Technical Writing](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/07/the-evolution-of-technical-writing/) | Nov 7, 2014
22. [Flat file systems versus database models for help](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/05/flat-file-systems-versus-database-models-for-help/) | Nov 5, 2014
23. [The Author Experience -- Interview with Rick Yagodich](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/11/05/the-author-experience-interview-with-rick-yagodich/) | Nov 5, 2014
24. [Simplifying DITA authoring by using a Markdown to HTML to DITA workflow](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/29/simplifying-dita-authoring-by-using-a-markdown-to-html-to-dita-workflow/) | Oct 29, 2014
25. [Celebrating Lucy and her timeline](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/28/celebrating-lucy-and-her-timeline/) | Oct 28, 2014
26. [Santa Clara to San Carlos bike ride](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/26/santa-clara-to-san-carlos-bike-ride/) | Oct 26, 2014
27. [API and SDK documentation: Notes from Ed Marshall's Workshop at Information Development World](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/25/notes-from-ed-marshalls-api-and-sdk-workshop-at-information-development-world/) | Oct 25, 2014
28. [Slides and recording for "Perfecting the audio narration in instructional video" at Info Dev World](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/23/slides-and-recording-for-perfecting-the-audio-narration-in-instructional-videos-at-info-dev-world/) | Oct 23, 2014
29. [Upcoming presentation at #InfoDevWorld: "Perfecting the Audio Narration in Instructional Videos"](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/21/upcoming-presentation-perfecting-the-audio-narration-in-instructional-videos/) | Oct 21, 2014
30. [DocOps: Interview with Jim Turcotte](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/21/docops-interview-with-jim-turcotte/) | Oct 21, 2014
31. [San Francisco city-to-ferry loop bicycle ride](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/19/san-francisco-city-to-ferry-loop-bicycle-ride/) | Oct 19, 2014
32. [Biking trip to Yosemite](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/16/biking-trip-to-yosemite/) | Oct 16, 2014
33. [API Doc presentation slides and recording (San Francisco STC chapter)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/16/api-doc-presentation-slides-and-recording/) | Oct 16, 2014
34. [Import DITA's XHTML Output into WordPress](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/14/import-dita-xhtml-output-into-wordpress/) | Oct 14, 2014
35. [Outside the tech comm tool bubble, there is a wide, wide world](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/10/09/outside-the-tech-comm-tool-bubble-there-is-a-wide-wide-world/) | Oct 9, 2014
36. [Why developers will never adopt DITA](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/30/why-developers-will-never-adopt-dita/) | Sep 30, 2014
37. [Natural Bridges](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/28/natural-bridges/) | Sep 28, 2014
38. [Maisie's peak and more](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/28/maisies-peak-and-more/) | Sep 28, 2014
39. [Two major Confluence problems: poor content re-use and lack of wiki markup](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/24/two-major-confluence-problems-poor-content-re-use-and-no-wiki-markup/) | Sep 24, 2014
40. [Using collapsible sections to bring tasks and concepts together (DITA)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/22/using-collapsible-sections-to-bring-tasks-and-concepts-together-dita/) | Sep 22, 2014
41. [Foreword to Developing User Assistance for Mobile Apps, 2nd Edition](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/19/developing-user-assistance-for-mobile-apps/) | Sep 19, 2014
42. [Adding code comments through a sliding jQuery Sidr panel (DITA)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/16/adding-code-comments-through-a-sliding-jquery-sidr-panel-dita/) | Sep 16, 2014
43. [STC Intercom Issue Entirely Dedicated to API Documentation](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/10/stc-intercom-issue-entirely-dedicated-to-api-documentation/) | Sep 10, 2014
44. [Using WordPress natively for single source publishing and conditional content](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/08/using-wordpress-natively-for-single-source-publishing-and-conditional-content/) | Sep 8, 2014
45. [Upcoming presentation in downtown San Francisco: Publishing strategies for API documentation](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/02/upcoming-presentation-publishing-strategies-api-documentation/) | Sep 2, 2014
46. [Challenges in using WordPress for publishing DITA content](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/02/challenges-using-wordpress-publishing-help-content/) | Sep 2, 2014
47. [Thirteen life hacks](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/09/01/13-life-hacks/) | Sep 1, 2014
48. [Author in DITA, publish with WordPress](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/08/19/author-dita-publish-wordpress/) | Aug 19, 2014
49. [Woes of conditional text and topichead elements (DITA best practices)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/08/10/woes-conditional-text-topichead-elements-dita-best-practices/) | Aug 10, 2014
50. [Benefits of tool diversity, part II](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/08/07/benefits-tool-diversity-part-ii/) | Aug 7, 2014
51. [Is tool fragmentation in tech comm a good thing?](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/08/05/tool-fragmentation-tech-comm-good-thing/) | Aug 5, 2014
52. [Reviewing draft DITA content with subject matter experts: 6 essential points](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/07/31/how-to-review-dita-content-with-subject-matter-experts-6-essential-points/) | Jul 31, 2014
53. [My DITA quick reference guide (QRG)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/07/30/dita-quick-reference-guide-qrg/) | Jul 30, 2014
54. [Book Review: The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/07/27/book-review-goldfinch-donna-tartt/) | Jul 27, 2014
55. [Writing documentation in an interactive world: Some thoughts on using easyDITA and OxygenXML](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/07/25/writing-documentation-interactive-world-thoughts-using-easydita-oxygenxml/) | Jul 25, 2014
56. [The part of the brain you should listen to when writing](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/07/16/the-part-of-the-brain-you-should-listen-to-when-writing/) | Jul 16, 2014
57. [Content Re-use is so much better with DITA (and esp. with OxygenXML)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/06/29/content-re-use-is-so-much-better-with-dita-and-esp-with-oxygenxml/) | Jun 29, 2014
58. [Strategies for content re-use in Confluence](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/06/24/strategies-for-content-re-use-in-confluence/) | Jun 24, 2014
59. [10 technical writing principles to live by](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/06/20/10-technical-writing-principles-to-live-by/) | Jun 20, 2014
60. [Information Development World and the Customer Experience -- A Podcast with Scott Abel and Val Swisher](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/06/18/information-development-world-and-the-customer-experience-a-podcast-with-scott-abel-and-val-swisher/) | Jun 18, 2014
61. [Introduction to API documentation: Interview with Scot Marvin](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/06/16/introduction-to-api-documentation-interview-with-scot-marvin/) | Jun 16, 2014
62. [Started a new job](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/06/12/started-a-new-job/) | Jun 12, 2014
63. [Lessons learned as a novice API technical writer -- Interview with Mary Linderman (podcast)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/06/08/lessons-learned-as-a-novice-api-technical-writer-interview-with-mary-linderman-podcast/) | Jun 8, 2014
64. [The future of tech comm is developer doc](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/06/03/the-future-of-tech-comm-is-developer-doc/) | Jun 3, 2014
65. [Creating code samples for API/SDK documentation (webinar recording, slides, and audio)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/30/creating-code-samples-webinar-recording-slides-and-audio/) | May 30, 2014
66. [How to embed looping videos on your web page](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/18/how-to-embed-looping-videos-on-your-web-page/) | May 18, 2014
67. [My Intercom article on gamification and user engagement](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/18/my-intercom-article-on-gamification-and-user-engagement/) | May 18, 2014
68. [Recording of my STC Sacramento presentation -- Why users can't find answers in help material](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/18/recording-of-my-stc-sacramento-presentation-why-users-cant-find-answers-in-help-material/) | May 18, 2014
69. [What does DITA-structured help look like?](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/15/what-does-dita-structured-help-look-like/) | May 15, 2014
70. [Complex tools versus simple tools](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/10/complex-tools-versus-simple-tools/) | May 10, 2014
71. [Upcoming webinar: Creating code samples for API/SDK documentation](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/09/upcoming-webinar-creating-code-samples-for-apisdk-documentation/) | May 9, 2014
72. [DITA: Nested subheadings and the concept element](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/08/dita-workarounds-to-nested-subheadings-and-the-concept-element/) | May 8, 2014
73. [DITA: Limitations with the chunk="to-content" attribute in relationship tables](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/02/dita-limitations-with-the-chunkto-content-attribute-in-relationship-tables/) | May 2, 2014
74. [DITA hierarchical links, related links, short descriptions, and one-folder organization](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/05/01/dita-files-reuse/) | May 1, 2014
75. [DITA: Why DITA, metadata, working in code and author views, and relationship tables](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/25/why-use-dita-relationship-tables-working-in-code-and-author-views/) | Apr 25, 2014
76. [DITA: Folder hierarchy, conref, mapref, and more](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/22/dita-folder-hierarchy-conref-mapref-and-more/) | Apr 22, 2014
77. [My DITA journey begins](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/16/my-dita-journey-begins/) | Apr 16, 2014
78. [The need for robust tech comm authoring tools](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/13/the-need-for-robust-tech-comm-authoring-tools/) | Apr 13, 2014
79. [Strategies for using links with DITA](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/08/linking-strategies-with-dita/) | Apr 8, 2014
80. [STC Chapter provides lavish "all expenses paid" outing to San Diego zoo for members](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/01/stc-chapter-provides-special-outing-to-san-diego-zoo-for-members/) | Apr 1, 2014
81. [Now that debts are paid off, plan to travel the world for a year, documenting things](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/01/now-that-debts-are-paid-off-plan-to-travel-the-world-for-a-year-documenting-things/) | Apr 1, 2014
82. [Dita Von Teese to give keynote at DITA North America 2014 Conference](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/01/dita-von-teese-to-give-keynote-at-dita-north-america-2014-conference/) | Apr 1, 2014
83. [New hot coals event to be highlight at Lavacon conference](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/01/new-hot-coals-event-to-be-highlight-at-lavacon-conference/) | Apr 1, 2014
84. [The Content Wrangler Announces New 52 Mini-Conference Model](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/04/01/the-content-wrangler-announces-new-52-mini-conference-model/) | Apr 1, 2014
85. [Using metadata to control online navigation through portlets](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/27/using-metadata-to-control-online-navigation-through-portlets/) | Mar 27, 2014
86. [Writing skills versus technical skills, or, What I realized in solving a Sudoku puzzle](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/19/writing-skills-versus-technical-skills-or-what-i-realized-in-solving-a-sudoku-puzzle/) | Mar 19, 2014
87. [soap! A new conference for technical writers in Poland](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/18/a-new-conference-for-technical-writers-in-poland/) | Mar 18, 2014
88. [Two months after leaving the church -- an update](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/16/two-months-after-leaving-the-church-an-update/) | Mar 16, 2014
89. [Do I need to take courses in technical writing? Guest post by Laura Palmer](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/07/do-i-need-to-take-courses-in-technical-writing-guest-post-by-laura-palmer/) | Mar 7, 2014
90. [Videos and reflections from the 2014 Intelligent Content Conference](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/videos-and-reflections-from-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
91. [Tobi Crabtree on Virtual Agents (Intelligent Content 2014)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/tobi-crabtree-on-virtual-agents-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
92. [Val Swisher on Translation Without Borders at Intelligent Content 2014](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/val-swisher-on-translation-without-borders-at-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
93. [Noz Urbina on The Biological Imperative for Intelligent Content (Intelligent Content 2014)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/noz-urbina-on-the-biological-imperative-for-intelligent-content-at-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
94. [Mark Baker on Every Page Is Page One (Intelligent Content 2014)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/mark-baker-on-every-page-is-page-one-at-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
95. [Rahel Bailie on the Language of Content Strategy (Intelligent Content 2014)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/rahel-bailie-on-the-language-of-content-strategy-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
96. [Don Day on Connecting Intelligent Content with Micropublishing (Intelligent Content 2014)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/don-day-on-connecting-intelligent-content-with-micropublishing-at-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
97. [Theresa Putkey on Diagnosing and Solving Content Problems (Intelligent Content 2014)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/theresa-putkey-on-diagnosing-and-solving-content-problems-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
98. [Kyle Wiens on gamification and iFixit / Dozuki at Intelligent Content 2014](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/kyle-wiens-on-gamification-and-ifixit-dozuki-at-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
99. [Sarah O'Keefe on The Many Facets of Content Strategy (Intelligent Content 2014)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/sarah-okeefe-on-the-many-facets-of-content-strategy-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
100. [Marcia Riefer Johnston on Writing (Intelligent Content 2014)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/marcia-riefer-johnston-on-writing-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
101. [Tom Johnson on Blogging (Intelligent Content 2014)](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/03/03/tom-johnson-on-blogging-intelligent-content-2014/) | Mar 3, 2014
102. [Writers needed for Intercom issue on API documentation](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/02/26/writers-needed-for-intercom-issue-on-api-documentation/) | Feb 26, 2014
103. [A simple way to write, edit, and publish documentation online using Google Docs and Markdown](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/02/25/a-simple-way-to-write-edit-and-publish-documentation-online-using-google-docs-and-markdown/) | Feb 25, 2014
104. [How can we know something that is totally unfamiliar to us?](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/02/20/how-can-we-know-something-that-is-totally-unfamiliar-to-us/) | Feb 20, 2014
105. [An argument for complexity rather than simplicity in technical communication](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/02/07/an-argument-for-complexity-rather-than-simplicity-in-technical-communication/) | Feb 7, 2014
106. [Gamification and user engagement in e-learning and documentation](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/02/04/gamification-and-user-engagement-in-e-learning-and-documentation/) | Feb 4, 2014
107. [Will structure and style make documentation processes less costly?](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/26/will-structure-and-style-make-documentation-processes-less-costly/) | Jan 26, 2014
108. [Growing trends for APIs and my favorite resources to learn technical information](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/20/growing-trends-for-apis-and-my-favorite-resources-to-learn-technical-information/) | Jan 20, 2014
109. [Upcoming interviews at the Intelligent Content Conference](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/16/upcoming-interviews-at-the-intellent-content-conference/) | Jan 16, 2014
110. [Why I left the Mormon church](https://idratherbewriting.com/why-i-left-the-mormon-church/) | Jan 16, 2014
111. [Single-page docs versus "Click Insanity"](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/12/single-page-docs-versus-click-insanity/) | Jan 12, 2014
112. [Upcoming presentation to Sacramento STC Chapter on Jan 16](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/12/upcoming-presentation-to-sacramento-stc-chapter-on-jan-16/) | Jan 12, 2014
113. [Tips for writing code comments in developer documentation](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/11/tips-for-writing-code-comments-in-developer-documentation/) | Jan 11, 2014
114. [Recording of STC Berkeley presentation on why users can't find answers in help](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/08/recording-of-stc-berkeley-presentation-on-why-users-cant-find-answers-in-help/) | Jan 8, 2014
115. [DITA's output does not require separation of tasks from concepts](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/05/ditas-output-does-not-require-separation-of-tasks-from-concepts/) | Jan 5, 2014
116. [The appeal of DITA](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/04/the-appeal-of-dita/) | Jan 4, 2014
117. [Upcoming API Workshop in San Jose on Feb 8, 2014](https://idratherbewriting.com/2014/01/01/upcoming-api-workshop-in-san-jose-on-feb-8-2014/) | Jan 1, 2014