Learn the process and career of writing back-of-the-book and website indexes.
Take your already well-developed organizational skills and love of language and put
them to work for you writing effective indexes! Through online discussion, research,
and hands-on assignments you will learn the fundamentals of indexing, how indexers work,
and the business of indexing. You will learn preparation methods, effective topic analysis,
proper heading language, index formats, and how to cross reference, as well as usability
techniques for print and online media and search keywords. You will also be exposed to
indexing tools through demos and discussions. Indexing as a business will be explored,
from finding work to pricing and client management. Project work includes the creation of
an index from scratch with professional and constructive feedback from your instructor.
Whether you're interested in pursuing a full career as a professional indexer or want
simply to extend your indexing knowledge and skills for your current career, this certificate is for you!
This course is a 30-hour online certificate program that lasts for ten weeks.
Before the program begins, you will be given a username, password, and the web address of the course.
Once the course begins, you will participate in online discussions
with the instructor and other students, conduct Internet research, and work on hands-on assignments.
Project work includes the creation of an index from scratch with professional and constructive
feedback from your instructor. Registration information is available at
http://www.middlesex.mass.edu/CareerTraining/WritingIndexesforBooksandWebsites.htm.
Taming the Beast: How to Develop an Enterprise Taxonomy to Support 200 Million Documents
AIIM - The Enterprise Content Management Association
International Exposition & Conference -- Boston, Mass.
March 4, 2008
Jeff Auker, from The Hartford Insurance Group, is the primary speaker, along with Seth Earley from Earley & Associates, Inc.
My participation is still under negotiation, and not mentioned at the conference website. :-)
For more information:
Information on the talk |
Information on the conference
Index Editing Panel
New England Chapter, American Society of Indexers
2008 Spring Meeting -- Chelmsford Public Library, Chelmsford, Mass.
April 5, 2008
American Society of Indexers
40th Annual Meeting and Conference -- Denver, Colo.
April 30 to May 3, 2008
At present, I have no formal plans to delivery any presentations. However, I will be attending
most events, including some private events for Potomac Indexing.
If you have plans to attend and would like to schedule time to meet with me for whatever reason,
please don't hesitate to contact me in advance.
Indexing Technical Documentation nSight, Inc. -- Burlington, Massachusetts
March 2, 2007
This surprisingly interesting and hands-on workshop teaches you exactly
how to write, edit, and review indexes in both print and online media.
Find balance between theory and reality: page numbers and single-sourced
hyperlinks, word choice and nonstandard sorting, subentries and related
topics, usability and deadlines. Learn about indexing tools and how to get
the job done fast. In the end you will be a better indexer and a better
writer. Come with questions and horror stories, and exit with crucial
techniques you need for enhancing your documentation.
Practical Keyword Invention
Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Institutes for Continuing Education Wellesley Public Library, Wellesley, Massachusetts
March 29, 2007 at 6:30pm
Knowing how to control a vocabulary is important, but what if you do not have a vocabulary?
This workshop will provide you with a simple algorithm for inventing all those words you forgot to
invent last time, along with several practical examples. Whether you are an indexer looking to
lengthen your index, or a website owner looking to get more Google hits, you will appreciate a fast,
fresh look at words, words, and more unencumbered words.
More information at http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/continuinged/workshops/simmons.shtml.
Book Indexing Basics and Roundtable Discussion on Writing Indexes
Text and Academic Authors Association (TAA)
2007 Conference on Text and Academic Authoring -- Buffalo, New York
June 22-23, 2007
About "Book Indexing Basics": Quality indexing, in both print and online media, comes down to a few simple concepts.
By understanding these core concepts, both your indexing and your writing will improve.
In this presentation, the audience will learn all the basics of indexing in a very short amount of time:
information analysis, conceptual relationships, page numbers, cross references, language choices, sorting,
tools, usability, and business issues. In the end you'll unleash your latent love for indexing ideas,
absorb the fundamentals of writing an index, learn how to judge index quality for yourself,
and truly grasp why good indexes add so much value to their books.
This session is for authors, editors, readers and potential indexers. You'll learn:
the basics of quality indexing; the first steps toward writing an index by yourself,
as well as guidelines for effective index evaluation; practical information about
the indexing process and business; and come away with a better appreciation of the value of indexing.
"I have some hands-on exercises that always inspire discussion," said Maislin.
"My presentation is an engaging forum for those never-before-asked questions.
I'm not afraid to talk about the MONEY part of indexing, and that usually perks people up." About the roundtable: Open discussion about indexing in all forms: print and online publications,
theory and practice, self-indexing and working with freelancers, indexing techniques and resources, etc.
This roundtable will put a knowledgeable, professional indexer at the fingertips of those interested in indexing and indexing concepts.
Information Architecture in Web Design (course IN-919C)
Bentley College -- Waltham, Massachusetts
December 7-8, 2006
Information architecture provides a variety of best practices that can make information more readily accessible.
In helping you design a more usable web presence, this introductory course examines various types of sites, audience goals,
and user-centered design heuristics. In particular, we focus on information organization, categorization and labeling.
We also tackle issues of navigation (local and global), searching, browsing and scalability. Typical information architecture
deliverables under discussion may include content and site maps, site outlines, wireframed pages, taxonomies, thesauri,
information asset inventories and site "blueprints." Part of Bentley College's
Information Design Certificate Program.
Visit the website for registration information.
Writing Indexes for Books and Websites: Online Certificate Program
Over the Internet, hosted at Middlesex Community College
Starts September 25, 2006
Learn the process and career of writing back-of-the-book and website indexes.
Take your already well-developed organizational skills and love of language and put
them to work for you writing effective indexes! Through online discussion, research,
and hands-on assignments you will learn the fundamentals of indexing, how indexers work,
and the business of indexing. You will learn preparation methods, effective topic analysis,
proper heading language, index formats, and how to cross reference, as well as usability
techniques for print and online media and search keywords. You will also be exposed to
indexing tools through demos and discussions. Indexing as a business will be explored,
from finding work to pricing and client management. Project work includes the creation of
an index from scratch with professional and constructive feedback from your instructor.
Whether you're interested in pursuing a full career as a professional indexer or want
simply to extend your indexing knowledge and skills for your current career, this certificate is for you!
This course is a 30-hour online certificate program that lasts for ten weeks.
Before the program begins, you will be given a username, password, and the web address of the course.
Once the course begins, you will participate in online discussions
with the instructor and other students, conduct Internet research, and work on hands-on assignments.
Project work includes the creation of an index from scratch with professional and constructive
feedback from your instructor. Registration information is available at
http://www.middlesex.mass.edu/CareerTraining/WritingIndexesforBooksandWebsites.htm.
Indexing Application in Print and Digital Media
Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Institutes for Continuing Education
Boston, Massachusetts
June 10, 2006 (9am to 5pm)
In this workshop, participants learn the theoretical guidelines and practical skills for writing
back-of-the-book index, and then apply that knowledge to indexes for online media:
hypertext documentation, online help, and basic information architecture. Fundamental topics
include topic inclusion, subentry construction, locators and cross references, language selection,
entry sorting, and usability concerns. Lively in-class discussion is encouraged, and any
additional topics (e.g., tools, careers, deadlines, subject specialties) will be introduced by request.
For more information (when available), visit http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/continuinged/workshops.
Writing Indexes for Books and Websites: Online Certificate Program
Over the Internet, hosted at Middlesex Community College
Summer 2006
Learn the process and career of writing back-of-the-book and website indexes.
Take your already well-developed organizational skills and love of language and put
them to work for you writing effective indexes! Through online discussion, research,
and hands-on assignments you will learn the fundamentals of indexing, how indexers work,
and the business of indexing. You will learn preparation methods, effective topic analysis,
proper heading language, index formats, and how to cross reference, as well as usability
techniques for print and online media and search keywords. You will also be exposed to
indexing tools through demos and discussions. Indexing as a business will be explored,
from finding work to pricing and client management. Project work includes the creation of
an index from scratch with professional and constructive feedback from your instructor.
Whether you're interested in pursuing a full career as a professional indexer or want
simply to extend your indexing knowledge and skills for your current career, this certificate is for you!
This course is a 30-hour online certificate program.
Before the program begins, you will be given a username,
password, and the web address of the course. Once the course begins, you will participate in online discussions
with the instructor and other students, conduct Internet research, and work on hands-on assignments.
Project work includes the creation of an index from scratch with professional and constructive
feedback from your instructor. For more information call 781-280-3663 or email
career_training@middlesex.mass.edu.
To register, call 1-800-818-3434 or visit MiddleNet.
"Writing Indexes for Books and Websites Online Certificate" is course number CE 3980 75.
Show Me the Money: The Business Side of Indexing
Spring Meeting: New England Chapter of the American Society of Indexers (NEASI)
Chelmsford Public Library, 25 Boston Road, Chelmsford, MA
Saturday, April 29, 2006. Starts at 9:30 a.m.
Statistics and solutions for making a living as an indexer,
followed by a candid, no-holds-barred question-and-answer session
on topics such as salaries, business structure, overhead, insurance,
tax deductions, subcontracting, cash flow, billing, raising rates,
late and rush fees, printing costs, international currency exchange, and much more.
Indexing Application in Print and Digital Media
Simmons College Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Institutes for Continuing Education
Boston, Massachusetts
October 1, 2005 (9am to 5pm)
In this workshop, participants learn the theoretical guidelines and practical skills for writing
back-of-the-book index, and then apply that knowledge to indexes for online media:
hypertext documentation, online help, and basic information architecture. Fundamental topics
include topic inclusion, subentry construction, locators and cross references, language selection,
entry sorting, and usability concerns. Lively in-class discussion is encouraged, and any
additional topics (e.g., tools, careers, deadlines, subject specialties) will be introduced by request.
For more information (when available), visit http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/continuinged/workshops.
Writing Indexes for Books and Websites: Online Certificate Program
Over the Internet, hosted at Middlesex Community College
Starts September 26, 2005
Course Flier (available soon)
Learn the process and career of writing back-of-the-book and website indexes.
Take your already well-developed organizational skills and love of language and put
them to work for you writing effective indexes! Through online discussion, research,
and hands-on assignments you will learn the fundamentals of indexing, how indexers work,
and the business of indexing. You will learn preparation methods, effective topic analysis,
proper heading language, index formats, and how to cross reference, as well as usability
techniques for print and online media and search keywords. You will also be exposed to
indexing tools through demos and discussions. Indexing as a business will be explored,
from finding work to pricing and client management. Project work includes the creation of
an index from scratch with professional and constructive feedback from your instructor.
Whether you're interested in pursuing a full career as a professional indexer or want
simply to extend your indexing knowledge and skills for your current career, this certificate is for you!
This course is a 30-hour online certificate program.
The program begins on June 15 and lasts for ten weeks. Before the program begins, you will be given a username,
password, and the web address of the course. Once the course begins, you will participate in online discussions
with the instructor and other students, conduct Internet research, and work on hands-on assignments.
Project work includes the creation of an index from scratch with professional and constructive
feedback from your instructor. For more information call 781-280-3663 or email
career_training@middlesex.mass.edu.
To register, call 1-800-818-3434 or visit MiddleNet.
"Writing Indexes for Books and Websites Online Certificate" is course number CE 3980 75.
ASI Certification Course
American Society of Indexers, New England Chapter
Fall Conference - Worcester, MA
September 24, 2005
I'll be talking about ASI's new educational initiative and certification program.
For information on the entire fall conference program, including talks on taxonomies
and specialties, visit http://www.newenglandindexers.org/events.htm.
Writing Indexes for Books and Websites: Online Certificate Program
Over the Internet, hosted at Middlesex Community College
Starts June 6, 2005
Learn the process and career of writing back-of-the-book and website indexes.
Take your already well-developed organizational skills and love of language and put
them to work for you writing effective indexes! Through online discussion, research,
and hands-on assignments you will learn the fundamentals of indexing, how indexers work,
and the business of indexing. You will learn preparation methods, effective topic analysis,
proper heading language, index formats, and how to cross reference, as well as usability
techniques for print and online media and search keywords. You will also be exposed to
indexing tools through demos and discussions. Indexing as a business will be explored,
from finding work to pricing and client management. Project work includes the creation of
an index from scratch with professional and constructive feedback from your instructor.
Whether you're interested in pursuing a full career as a professional indexer or want
simply to extend your indexing knowledge and skills for your current career, this certificate is for you!
This course is a 30-hour online certificate program.
The program begins on June 15 and lasts for ten weeks. Before the program begins, you will be given a username,
password, and the web address of the course. Once the course begins, you will participate in online discussions
with the instructor and other students, conduct Internet research, and work on hands-on assignments.
Project work includes the creation of an index from scratch with professional and constructive
feedback from your instructor. For more information call 781-280-3663 or email
career_training@middlesex.mass.edu.
To register, call 1-800-818-3434 or visit MiddleNet.
"Writing Indexes for Books and Websites Online Certificate" is course number CE 3980 75.
Information Architecture in Web Design (course IN-919C)
Bentley College -- Waltham, Massachusetts
April 2005
Information architecture provides a variety of best practices that can make information more readily accessible.
In helping you design a more usable web presence, this introductory course examines various types of sites, audience goals,
and user-centered design heuristics. In particular, we focus on information organization, categorization and labeling.
We also tackle issues of navigation (local and global), searching, browsing and scalability. Typical information architecture
deliverables under discussion may include content and site maps, site outlines, wireframed pages, taxonomies, thesauri,
information asset inventories and site "blueprints." Part of Bentley College's
Information Design Certificate Program.
Visit the website for registration information.
Writing Indexes for Books and Websites: Online Certificate Program
Over the Internet, hosted at Middlesex Community College
Starts March 7, 2005
Learn the process and career of writing back-of-the-book and website indexes.
Take your already well-developed organizational skills and love of language and put
them to work for you writing effective indexes! Through online discussion, research,
and hands-on assignments you will learn the fundamentals of indexing, how indexers work,
and the business of indexing. You will learn preparation methods, effective topic analysis,
proper heading language, index formats, and how to cross reference, as well as usability
techniques for print and online media and search keywords. You will also be exposed to
indexing tools through demos and discussions. Indexing as a business will be explored,
from finding work to pricing and client management. Project work includes the creation of
an index from scratch with professional and constructive feedback from your instructor.
Whether you're interested in pursuing a full career as a professional indexer or want
simply to extend your indexing knowledge and skills for your current career, this certificate is for you!
This course is a 30-hour online certificate program.
The program begins on March 7 and ends May 13. Before the program begins, you will be given a username,
password, and the web address of the course. Once the course begins, you will participate in online discussions
with the instructor and other students, conduct Internet research, and work on hands-on assignments.
Project work includes the creation of an index from scratch with professional and constructive
feedback from your instructor. For more information call 781-280-3663 or email
career_training@middlesex.mass.edu.
To register, call 1-800-818-3434 or visit MiddleNet.
"Writing Indexes for Books and Websites Online Certificate" is course number CE 3980 75.
Indexing as a Career (seminar)
Middlesex Community College
February 17, 2005 in Woburn, Mass. at 6pm
March 5, 2005 in Lowell, Mass. at 9am
In today's environment, access to information is in high demand, and the
back-of-the-book index is one example of an access tool. Good indexes
require creative, detail-oriented people with the skills to analyze and
categorize information. Indexers are specialists who add value to the
publishing and information industries, and to the community at large. Most
full-time indexers are freelancers, marketing themselves and working
independently from home; indexing is an excellent part-time job as well.
This seminar explains the challenges and rewards of an indexing career,
from day-to-day expectations to long-term growth. Find out if you have
what it takes to become an indexer.
tekom Annual Conference 2004
Wiesbaden, Germany
10-12 November 2004
I'll be presenting basic and how-to seminars on book and online indexing.
(1) What Is an Index? "Indexes improve usability. They help readers find exactly the information they want. They show relationships between ideas. They allow readers to use their own words to find information. (Search engines do none of these!) In this presentation, we explore the basics of indexes and indexing: features, appearance, construction, creators, and cost. Discover why good indexes continue to improve the quality of print and online documentation in any language."
(2) How to Write Quality Indexes "Quality indexing is a creative science. To write a good index you must understand what the audience knows, the subject matter, and the environment in which readers are using the index. If you succeed, you can build a navigation tool that is better than search engines and tables of contents. In fact, readers will enter the documentation starting with the index! But writing an index is very different from writing and very difficult. In this workshop, learn when and how to write a quality index."
ABrief, Comprehensive Indexing Primer (Web/telephone seminar)
October 20, 2004
Quality indexing, in both print and online media, comes down a few simple concepts.
With these core concepts, both your indexing and your writing will improve.
This seminar discusses sorting, tools, and usability, as well as the following:
information analysis; conceptual relationships; page numbers, cross references, and other locators;
labeling. If you need to learn the basics of indexing in a hurry, this seminar is your answer.
Contact me for additional information,
or visit STC's website.
(This is a repeat of the same seminar from last year, brought back by popular demand!)
Writing Indexes for Books and Websites (course)
Middlesex Community College -- Bedford, Massachusetts
November 11 to December 16, 2004 (weekly, 6-9pm)
This is a full, noncredit course on indexing.
This surprisingly interesting and hands-on workshop teaches you
exactly how to write, edit, and review indexes in both print and
online media. Find balance between theory and reality: page numbers and
single-sourced hyperlinks, word choice and nonstandard sorting,
subentries and related topics, usability and deadlines. Learn about
indexing tools and how to get the job done fast. In the end you will
be a better indexer, a better writer, and (if you want) a self-sufficient indexing freelancer.
The course runs five Thursdays, 6-9pm. Call 800-818-3434 for registration information, or visit
http://noncredit.middlesex.cc.ma.us.
(Details about the Fall 2004 semester are not yet online.) Look for course CE3942-30.
Indexing as a Career (seminar)
Middlesex Community College
October 11, 2004 in Bedford, Mass. at 7pm
October 19, 2004 in Woburn, Mass. at 7pm
In today's environment, access to information is in high demand, and the
back-of-the-book index is one example of an access tool. Good indexes
require creative, detail-oriented people with the skills to analyze and
categorize information. Indexers are specialists who add value to the
publishing and information industries, and to the community at large. Most
full-time indexers are freelancers, marketing themselves and working
independently from home; indexing is an excellent part-time job as well.
This seminar explains the challenges and rewards of an indexing career,
from day-to-day expectations to long-term growth. Find out if you have
what it takes to become an indexer. Call 800-818-3434 for registration information.
Information Architecture in Web Design
San Francisco, CA; arranged by Bentley College
July 15-16, 2004
Web Indexing: an informal online chat
IndexStudents mailing list
May 18, 2004 at 1pm EDT
Information Architecture in Web Design (course IN-919C)
Bentley College -- Waltham, Massachusetts
April 22-23, 2004
Information architecture provides a variety of best practices that can make information more readily accessible.
In helping you design a more usable web presence, this introductory course examines various types of sites, audience goals,
and user-centered design heuristics. In particular, we focus on information organization, categorization and labeling.
We also tackle issues of navigation (local and global), searching, browsing and scalability. Typical information architecture
deliverables under discussion may include content and site maps, site outlines, wireframed pages, taxonomies, thesauri,
information asset inventories and site "blueprints." Part of Bentley College's
Information Design Certificate Program.
Visit the website for registration information.
Writing Indexes for Books and Websites (course)
Middlesex Community College -- Bedford, Massachusetts
March 30 to May 4, 2004 (weekly, no class April 6)
This is a full, noncredit course on indexing.
This surprisingly interesting and hands-on workshop teaches you
exactly how to write, edit, and review indexes in both print and
online media. Find balance between theory and reality: page numbers and
single-sourced hyperlinks, word choice and nonstandard sorting,
subentries and related topics, usability and deadlines. Learn about
indexing tools and how to get the job done fast. In the end you will
be a better indexer, a better writer, and (if you want) a self-sufficient indexing freelancer.
The course runs five Tuesdays, 6-9pm. Call 800-818-3434 for registration information, or visit
MCC's website
for information on course CE3942-30.
Keywords for Indexing and Search (telephone seminar)
March 10, 2004
A prerequisite for good search is precognition, but it shouldn't come from your users.
Anticipate user needs with good keyword selection and the application of structure to results presentation.
For now, contact me for additional information
or visit STC's website.
Indexing as a Career (seminar)
Middlesex Community College
February 17, 2004 in Woburn, Mass. at 7:30pm
March 9, 2004 in Bedford, Mass. at 7:30pm
In today's environment, access to information is in high demand, and the
back-of-the-book index is one example of an access tool. Good indexes
require creative, detail-oriented people with the skills to analyze and
categorize information. Indexers are specialists who add value to the
publishing and information industries, and to the community at large. Most
full-time indexers are freelancers, marketing themselves and working
independently from home; indexing is an excellent part-time job as well.
This seminar explains the challenges and rewards of an indexing career,
from day-to-day expectations to long-term growth. Find out if you have
what it takes to become an indexer.
The course runs approximately two hours. Call 800-818-3434 for registration information, or visit
MCC's website
for information on course CE2505-30 or CE2505-38.
Indexing Technical Documents (full-day custom workshop)
Foster City, California.
January 29, 2004 (private)
Writing Indexes for Books and Websites (course)
Middlesex Community College -- Bedford, Massachusetts
November 12 to December 17, 2003
This is a full, noncredit course on indexing.
This surprisingly interesting and hands-on workshop teaches you
exactly how to write, edit, and review indexes in both print and
online media. Find balance between theory and reality: page numbers and
single-sourced hyperlinks, word choice and nonstandard sorting,
subentries and related topics, usability and deadlines. Learn about
indexing tools and how to get the job done fast. In the end you will
be a better indexer, a better writer, and (if you want) a self-sufficient indexing freelancer.
The course runs five Wednesdays, 6-9pm. Call 800-818-3434 for registration information, or visit
http://noncredit.middlesex.cc.ma.us
and select the Fall 2003 semester. Look for course CE3942-30.
Indexing as a Career (seminar)
Middlesex Community College -- Bedford, Massachusetts
October 14, 2003 in Bedford, Mass. at 7:30pm
In today's environment, access to information is in high demand, and the
back-of-the-book index is one example of an access tool. Good indexes
require creative, detail-oriented people with the skills to analyze and
categorize information. Indexers are specialists who add value to the
publishing and information industries, and to the community at large. Most
full-time indexers are freelancers, marketing themselves and working
independently from home; indexing is an excellent part-time job as well.
This seminar explains the challenges and rewards of an indexing career,
from day-to-day expectations to long-term growth. Find out if you have
what it takes to become an indexer.
When Indexing Isn't Indexing (presentation)
American Society of Indexers, NYC Chapter -- New York City, NY
October 17, 2003
The days of back-of-the-book indexes are as numbered as their entries.
With search engines, online documentation, and XML, all pageless and numberless,
traditional indexing is edging toward obscolescence. But if indexes are disappearing,
how come indexers are more valuable than ever? Investigate some easy-to-understand
redefinitions of what we do, from taxonomies to keywords, in this fun exploration
of indexing without indexes.
Indexing as a Career (seminar)
Middlesex Community College -- Bedford, Massachusetts
September 23, 2003 in Woburn, Mass. at 7:00pm
In today's environment, access to information is in high demand, and the
back-of-the-book index is one example of an access tool. Good indexes
require creative, detail-oriented people with the skills to analyze and
categorize information. Indexers are specialists who add value to the
publishing and information industries, and to the community at large. Most
full-time indexers are freelancers, marketing themselves and working
independently from home; indexing is an excellent part-time job as well.
This seminar explains the challenges and rewards of an indexing career,
from day-to-day expectations to long-term growth. Find out if you have
what it takes to become an indexer.
Indexing Technical Documentation
nSight, Inc. -- Burlington, Massachusetts
July 8, 2003
This surprisingly interesting and hands-on workshop teaches you exactly
how to write, edit, and review indexes in both print and online media.
Find balance between theory and reality: page numbers and single-sourced
hyperlinks, word choice and nonstandard sorting, subentries and related
topics, usability and deadlines. Learn about indexing tools and how to get
the job done fast. In the end you will be a better indexer and a better
writer. Come with questions and horror stories, and exit with crucial
techniques you need for enhancing your documentation.
Contact me for information.
various presentations (see below)
American Society of Indexers
35th Annual Conference -- Vancouver, British Columbia
June 19-22, 2003
Getting Personal: Individualized Information Delivery.
Information delivery is becoming individualized, from custom documentation to targeted advertising.
Today we get restaurant recommendations based on our momentary physical location,
or record television shows based on our habits. Who collects this information,
and how can it be leveraged? Our indexing skills are key. Push the limits of your
imagination in this investigation and consider the benefits and pitfalls in our changing industry.
Behind the Curtain of Search Engines.
The inferior performance of search engines everywhere is a consequence of inadequate indexing.
Yes, it's true: behind every search engine is an index. Unfortunately, most are constructed by
computer algorithms. We humans have the know-how and tools to improve them: good keywords,
effective hierarchies, audience research, and usability experience. Learn to apply your practical
indexing skills to the ubiquitous world of search results. Real-world examples provided.
Technical Indexing Progression.
Several technical indexers will speak about the specialty of indexing technical documentation.
various presentations (see below)
Society for Technical Communication
50th Annual Conference -- Dallas, Texas
May 19-22, 2003
Keywords Are Key!
A prerequisite for good search is precognition, but it shouldn't come from your users.
Anticipate user needs with good keyword selection and the application of structure to results presentation.
Your Teacher's On the Line: Experiences with Phone Seminars.
After delivering two phone seminars for STC, one thing is for certain: There's still room for improvement.
Learn about and discuss these two similar case studies -- one before evaluations, and the other after --
from an experienced in-person instructor, tutor, and speaker. We'll talk about preparation, delivery, and evaluation.
Part of the Instruction Design Progression.
Connecting Search with Indexing.
Part of the Indexing Progression.
Being a critic is easy. This seminar teaches the simple,
subjective guidelines you need to recognize the strengths and
weaknesses of indexes written by others, including index drafts.
Learn to make and suggest improvements to any index, even if you
scheduled only five minutes its review. This seminar, targeted to
anyone who occasionally writes or reviews print or online indexes,
was highly rated by participants at the 2002 Annual Conference of the
American Society of Indexers in May 2002.
Enrollment is open; details available at http://www.stc.org/seminars.asp.
Indexing as a Career (seminar)
Middlesex Community College -- Bedford, Massachusetts
January 28, 2003 at 7pm
In today's environment, access to information is in high demand, and the
back-of-the-book index is one example of an access tool. Good indexes
require creative, detail-oriented people with the skills to analyze and
categorize information. Indexers are specialists who add value to the
publishing and information industries, and to the community at large. Most
full-time indexers are freelancers, marketing themselves and working
independently from home; indexing is an excellent part-time job as well.
This seminar explains the challenges and rewards of an indexing career,
from day-to-day expectations to long-term growth. Find out if you have
what it takes to become an indexer.
The seminar runs from 7 to 9pm in Room 220 of Henderson Hall (Bldg #3) Room 220
at MCC's Bedford Campus. Cost is $24.00. You can register by calling
800-818-3434 (I recommend this; operators are available 8:30am to 8:30pm),
faxing 978-452-5559, or visiting
MCC's registration page (not yet operational).
(Mention course CE2505-30.)
Quality indexing, in both print and online media, comes down a few simple concepts.
With these core concepts, both your indexing and your writing will improve.
This seminar discusses sorting, tools, and usability, as well as the following:
Information analysis. Perhaps the most valuable information analysis
tool is the understanding of what is indexable. Sometimes what is worth writing isn't
necessarily worth indexing. Index too much, and readers lose faith in the documentation.
But fail to index enough, and good information goes missing.
Conceptual relationships. The interplay among main entries
and subentries gives readers valuable contextual information.
The right number of subentries can provide informational scope that
would otherwise be unavailable, especially in online documentation.
Page numbers and other locators. For print indexes, it's important
to understand the usability of page ranges and cross references.
Online indexes require choosing locator text, managing redundancy,
and battling the limitations of your user interface.
Labeling. The hardest part of indexing is in finding the right words.
We'll take a look at labels that work, and how presentation can strongly
influence your choices.
Participants may e-mail questions for the Q&A session ahead of time;
e-mailed questions must be received before the end of the seminar.
Questions may also be phoned in during the Q&A session. No topic is too esoteric,
including multiple indexes, index translation, usability concerns,
and keywording for search engines. Send your questions to
seth@maislin.com with the subject line "Telephone Seminar."
This seminar is targeted to anyone wanting formal indexing training, theoretical or practical.
Enrollment is open; more details to come at
STC's seminars page. Also,
stay tuned for a second seminar on March 17, 2003.
Writing Indexes for Books and Websites (course)
Middlesex Community College -- Bedford, Massachusetts
November 14 to December 19, 2002
This is a full, noncredit course on indexing.
This surprisingly interesting and hands-on workshop teaches you
exactly how to write, edit, and review indexes in both print and
online media. Find balance between theory and reality: page numbers and
single-sourced hyperlinks, word choice and nonstandard sorting,
subentries and related topics, usability and deadlines. Learn about
indexing tools and how to get the job done fast. In the end you will
be a better indexer, a better writer, and (if you want) a self-sufficient
indexing freelancer.
(official course page)
The course runs five Thursdays, 6-9pm (no class 11-28). Cost is $285.
Register by calling
800-818-3434 (I recommend this; operators are available 8:30am to 8:30pm),
faxing 978-452-5559, or visiting
MCC's registration page.
(Mention course CE3942, #12752.)
Information Architecture and Web Navigation (two-day workshop)
nSight, Inc. -- Burlington, Massachusetts
December 3-4, 2001
Meet your users' needs with good access and intuitive browsability.
Build sites that provide accurate, immediate, and no-nonsense answers
Develop smart Web site structures and intuitive systems of navigation
Learn proven methods of organization and labeling
Balance theory and reality with needs assessments, user profiles, flow charts, and site maps
Understand the pros and cons of search engines and how to integrate them into your site
Indexing for Nonindexers (half-day custom workshop)
nSight, Inc. -- Burlington, Massachusetts
November 20, 2001 (private)
Indexing Technical Documentation (two-day workshop)
nSight, Inc. -- Burlington, Massachusetts
November 13-14, 2001
This surprisingly interesting and hands-on workshop teaches you exactly
how to write, edit, and review indexes in both print and online media.
Find balance between theory and reality: page numbers and single-sourced
hyperlinks, word choice and nonstandard sorting, subentries and related
topics, usability and deadlines. Learn about indexing tools and how to get
the job done fast. In the end you will be a better indexer and a better
writer. Come with questions and horror stories, and exit with crucial
techniques you need for enhancing your documentation.
Contact me for information.
Unlocking Information: Techniques for Structuring Content (two-day workshop)
nSight, Inc. -- Burlington, Massachusetts
November 5, 2002
Develop a deeper practical understanding of interrelated content, and
how users find what they need.
Sequence and labeling
Keywords, indexes, and tables of contents
Internal vs. interface structures
User patterns of navigation, search, and selection
Basics of dynamic information delivery and personalization
Indexing as a Career (seminar)
Middlesex Community College -- Bedford, Massachusetts
September 9, 2002 at 7pm
In today's environment, access to information is in high demand, and the
back-of-the-book index is one example of an access tool. Good indexes
require creative, detail-oriented people with the skills to analyze and
categorize information. Indexers are specialists who add value to the
publishing and information industries, and to the community at large. Most
full-time indexers are freelancers, marketing themselves and working
independently from home; indexing is an excellent part-time job as well.
This seminar explains the challenges and rewards of an indexing career,
from day-to-day expectations to long-term growth. Find out if you have
what it takes to become an indexer.
The seminar runs from 7 to 9pm in Room 220 of Henderson Hall (Bldg #3) Room 220
at MCC's Bedford Campus. Cost is $24.00. You can register by calling
800-818-3434 (I recommend this; operators are available 8:30am to 8:30pm),
faxing 978-452-5559, or visiting
MCC's registration page.
(Mention course CE2505, #12751.)
Indexing Technical Documentation (two-day workshop)
nSight, Inc. -- Burlington, Massachusetts
August 20-21, 2001
This surprisingly interesting and hands-on workshop teaches you exactly
how to write, edit, and review indexes in both print and online media.
Find balance between theory and reality: page numbers and single-sourced
hyperlinks, word choice and nonstandard sorting, subentries and related
topics, usability and deadlines. Learn about indexing tools and how to get
the job done fast. In the end you will be a better indexer and a better
writer. Come with questions and horror stories, and exit with crucial
techniques you need for enhancing your documentation.
Contact me for information.
Technical Writing for the World Wide Web (course)
Bentley College -- Waltham, Massachusetts
January to March, 2002
various presentations (see below)
American Society of Indexers
34th Annual Meeting -- Galveston, Texas
May 16-19, 2002
Work Methods: A Philosophical and Practical Inquiry (with Janet Perlman).
The goals may be the same, but the indexing process is unique for
each person... or is it? Investigate how indexers work with paper
(or don't) and how the indexing and publishing processes have evolved
with the introductions of new technologies. Hands-on time included.
Evaluating an Index.
Being a critic is easy. This workshop teaches the simple, subjective guidelines
you need to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of indexes written by others,
including index drafts. Learn to make and suggest improvements to any index,
even if you scheduled only five minutes its review.
XML: A DTD for Indexes (with David Ream). This session will provide some XML basics,
compare working with XML to indexing, and present the status of work on a DTD for indexes.
Quantum Indexing with Bill and Seth (with Bill Meisheid).
The Klick and Klack of the indexing world are donating their minds to
science -- the science of indexing, that is. Ferry your unfathomables
to this fun free-form forum where B and S hit the fan. You have
questions? They have answers. Tomatoes not permitted.
various presentations (see below)
Society for Technical Communication
Annual Meeting -- Nashville, Tennessee
May 6-8, 2002
Case Studies in Web Information Structure.
Explore real-life information structure challenges from the dotcom
world, from hierarchy to infrastructure to UI. This workshop
guides users through mediated brainstorming, a problem-solving
discussion, and a demonstration of the current product solution.
Indexing Without Page Numbers.
The Web has no intuitive linearity, and indexing is the
art of ordering nonlinear information. Re-evaluate indexing
fundamentals and their application to online presentation.
One-on-One Index Evaluation. By appointment.
TRIDOC 2002 (Triangle Conference on Documentation)
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
April 26-27, 2002
Two Case Studies in Web Information Design.
Explore real-life information structure challenges from the Internet world.
Wrap your brain around two large projects, from the behind-the-scenes hierarchy
and editorial infrastructure to user interface layout. Maislin will present the
project definition, mediate a brainstorming and problem-solving discussion, and
then demonstrate the most current product solution. No experience required.
Indexing Without Page Numbers.
Imagine a book with no binding, no sequence, no context. That's hypertext.
Now write the book's index. That's the art of good navigation. Bend good
indexing practices to accommodate the wholly different medium of the web.
Learn what makes a good index, and how that knowledge makes you a better information designer.
We'll deconstruct actual web sites and use indexing as a "hypertext glue"
to bring cohesion to our online work.
Technical Writing for the World Wide Web (course)
Bentley College -- Waltham, Massachusetts
March to April, 2002
Indexing for Online Delivery: The New Face of an Old Art Society for Technical Communication
Online Special Interest Group, Boston Chapter -- Andover, Massachusetts
March 6, 2002
Imagine a book with no binding, no sequence, no context. That's hypertext.
Now write the book's index. That's the art of good navigation. Bend good
indexing practices to accommodate the wholly different medium of the web.
Learn what makes a good index, and how that knowledge makes you a better information designer.
We'll deconstruct actual web sites and use indexing as a "hypertext glue"
to bring cohesion to our online work.
Case Studies from Lycos.com Society for Technical Communication, Boston Chapter
InterChange Conference 2001 -- Boxborough, Massachusetts
October 15, 2001
Explore real-life information structure challenges from the
Internet world. Wrap your brain around two large projects, from the behind-the-scenes hierarchy and
editorial infrastructure to user interface layout. Maislin will present the project definition,
mediate a brainstorming and problem-solving discussion, and then demonstrate the most current product solution.
No experience required.
Case Studies from Lycos.com American Society of Indexers
34th Annual Conference -- Boston, Massachusetts
May and June 2001
Explore real-life information structure challenges from the Internet world.
Wrap your brain around two large projects, from the behind-the-scenes hierarchy
and editorial infrastructure to user interface layout. Maislin will present the
project definition, mediate a brainstorming and problem-solving discussion, and
then demonstrate the most current product solution. No experience required.
Indexing Technical Documentation (full day)
nSight, Inc. -- Cambridge, Massachusetts
May 15, 2001
This surprisingly interesting and hands-on workshop teaches you exactly
how to write, edit, and review indexes in both print and online media.
Find balance between theory and reality: page numbers and single-sourced
hyperlinks, word choice and nonstandard sorting, subentries and related
topics, usability and deadlines. Learn about indexing tools and how to get
the job done fast. In the end you will be a better indexer and a better
writer. Come with questions and horror stories, and exit with crucial
techniques you need for enhancing your documentation.
Technical Writing for the World Wide Web (course)
Bentley College -- Waltham, Massachusetts
Summer 2001
Website Architecture (two-day workshop)
nSight, Inc. -- Cambridge, Massachusetts
April 10 and 17, 2001
The value of information depends on your users' ability to find it ...
fast. Forget bells and whistles. Forget search engines that find 10,000
websites. Users want accurate, immediate, no-nonsense answers to their
questions. Your websites need a smart structure and an intuitive system of
navigation. This two-day, hands-on workshop presents proven methods of
organization and labeling and gives you the tools and practical know-how
to build functional, excellent websites. Learn to balance theory with
reality with needs assessments, user profiles, website skeletons and flow
charts. No programming skills are required, but Web experience is a must.
Lycos Talk Radio
April 9 at 7:30pm EDT (among others)
Imagine an entire talk radio show dedicated to indexing! Well, it exists, and I'm the Talk Jockey.
Join me, TJ Taxonomist, as we open the floodgates of questions. Listen, learn, and participate.
The technology is intuitive and requires only the smallest of safe downloads. Then call in.
At the very least, check out the technology and join my mailing list.
Information Architecture from Indexing (Online) American Society of Indexers
South Central Chapter -- Dallas, Texas
March 31, 2001
Indexing is the art of ordering nonlinear information, and fundamentally -- get this --
websites are nonlinear! Clearly then, indexing has a direct and practical in the designing
of websites and website structures. But really, it's just plain fun, an opportunity to rip
apart indexing standards and discover new and better rules. That's where we'll start. We'll
consider actual problems, real-life obligations, a few case studies, and lots of Q&A. In the
end, you'll know just how close you are to a path into information design.
Schedule a presentation at your conference.
Conversations on Indexing American Society for Information Science and Technology
New England Chapter/Simmons College -- Boston, Massachusetts
November 7, 2000
Conversational presentation about hierarchy building, information architecture practices,
and daily life at Lycos.
Expanding Online Indexing (workshop)
Wisconsin Chapter -- Waukesha, Wisconsin
American Society of Indexers
September 2000
The fundamental differences between indexing and online information design are...
Well, there aren't any! Not if you're willing to break a few rules. Every hypertext
document is an index, an ordered set of paths to more information. In this presentation,
you'll bend your indexing practices to accommodate the wholly different medium of the
web. We'll meet the challenges of indexing without book pages for an unknown audience
and reevaluate the value of alphabetizing, page ranges, and cross references. With
real-life web sites as examples, we'll sketch an intranet structure and stumble through
the single-sourcing myth in an effort to find guidelines that work. Let's reintroduce
ourselves to indexing theory in the framework of the World Wide Web.
Indexing Technical Documentation (one-day workshop)
In Other WORDS
August 2000; Tel Aviv, Israel
Technical Writing for the World Wide Web (course)
Bentley College -- Waltham, Massachusetts
Summer 2002
various presentations (see below) American Society of Indexers
Annual Meeting -- Albuquerque, New Mexico
May 2000
Achieving the Ideal Index (with Barbara E. Cohen and Kate Mertes):
We invite you to take part in an orchestrated conversation/debate between two experienced
indexers about topics relating to "achieving the ideal index." The moderator will pose a
series of prepared questions to the two panelists, who will toss a coin to determine which
side of the argument they will have to defend. The questions focus on those "well, it depends..."
situations in indexing where there is no "right" answer, only a "better" answer for the
circumstances of that particular text and index. Specific examples will be examined.
In addition to the questions prepared in advance, the panelists will discuss questions
raised by the workshop audience.
A video recording of this presentation is available from C-Span TV.
Call 877-ONC-SPAN or go to the BookTV home page and
ask for Program No. 57110, "Achieving the Ideal Index." Cost is $29.95 plus $7 shipping.
Search Engines (roundtable): About using search engines on the Web.
Indexing the Whole Wide Web. Ha! (roundtable):
Share a wry view of the prospects for indexing the entire World Wide Web.
Indexing Equals Architecture (four-hour workshop)
Society for Technical Communication
Atlanta Chapter -- Atlanta, Georgia
May 2000
The differences between indexing and information architecture: there aren't any!
Bend standard book indexing practices to accommodate the wholly different medium of the web.
With examples we'll attempt indexing without book pages and reevaluate alphabetizing,
page ranges, and cross references. We'll even design an intranet and explore the single-sourcing myth.
Conversations on Indexing American Society for Information Science and Technology
New England Chapter/Simmons College -- Boston, Massachusetts
April 2000
Conversational presentation about hierarchy building, information architecture practices,
and daily life at Lycos.
Pageless Indexing American Society of Indexers
Washington DC Chapter -- Washington, D.C.
April 2000
An open-ended discussion about indexing
and information architecture, and where the two overlap.
Where Indexing Fails: Real-Life Problems (and Even Solutions)
Society for Documentation Professionals -- Burlington, Massachusetts
March 2000
Indexing definitely has a dark side: custom documentation, single-source production,
time-variant content, multibook CD-ROMs, internationalization, and the horrible tools
designed for embedded indexing (if any). Learn why these problems exist, how to get a
good index anyway, and when to give up gracefully.
(NOTE: Read an independent published review of this presentation.)
Pageless Indexing American Society of Indexers
Golden Gate Chapter -- San Francisco, California
March 2000
The fundamental differences between indexing and online information design are...
Well, there aren't any! Not if you're willing to break a few rules. Every hypertext
document is an index, an ordered set of paths to more information. In this
presentation, you'll bend your indexing practices to accommodate the wholly
different medium of the web. We'll meet the challenges of indexing without book
pages for an unknown audience and reevaluate the value of alphabetizing,
page ranges, and cross references. With real-life web sites as examples,
we'll sketch an intranet structure and stumble through the single-sourcing myth
in an effort to find guidelines that work. Let's reintroduce ourselves to indexing
theory in the framework of the World Wide Web.
Where Indexing and Search Engines Meet (roundtable progression)
Society for Technical Communication
Boston Chapter -- Boston, Massachusetts
November 1999
Developing an Online Architecture from Scratch (full-day workshop)
Help University Dallas -- Dallas, Texas
November 1999
Are you having problems developing your online information architecture?
Is the one you are currently using in your project not working? If you
don't feel comfortable knowing how to organize your materials online or
to write for single source publication, there is a solution: online
indexing concepts and approaches. Yes, it is true. The ideas behind
indexing are poised to come to your rescue. Indexing techniques are
everywhere online! Replace those boring bulleted lists with intuitive,
multidimensional structure. In this workshop you will design an informational
online architecture from the bottom up, starting with a big idea, itemizing our
goals, defining our audience, and working in teams. We'll investigate actual,
real-world online architectures in an effort to lean what works, and why. We'll
test a few strategies for developing site maps and overcoming the flat-file
environment of online documentation, and break a few rules. You are welcome to
bring your most ornery intranet design and online documentation challenges for comment!
Indexing in the Online World Or, Every Web Page Is an Index) (preconference workshop)
InterChange 1999 -- Boxborough, Massachusetts
October 1999
The key to online communication is structure, and the answer is in indexing.
If you write for online distribution (the Web, CD-ROMs, intranets, online help),
you can improve usability by shaping traditional indexing practices to fit the
modern world. Indexing is the "hypertext glue" that brings cohesion to our work.
In this workshop, we unlearn a few indexing myths, deconstruct actual web sites,
and learn the right questions to ask ourselves as online authors.
Indexing Electronic Media (full-day presentation)
American Society of Indexers
South California Chapter -- Long Beach, California
August 1999
The fundamental differences between indexing and online information design are...
Well, there aren't any! Not if you're willing to break a few rules.
Every hypertext document is an index, an ordered set of paths to more information.
In this presentation, you'll bend your indexing practices to accommodate the wholly
different medium of the web. We'll meet the challenges of indexing without book pages
for an unknown audience and reevaluate the value of alphabetizing, page ranges, and
cross references. With real-life web sites as examples, we'll sketch an intranet
structure and stumble through the single-sourcing myth in an effort to find guidelines
that work. Let's reintroduce ourselves to indexing theory in the framework of the
World Wide Web.
Indexing Online Information: "If Every Page Were Page Zero..." (demonstration)
TECH/COMM99 -- Arlington, Virginia
July 1999
Imagine a book with no binding, no sequence, no context. That's hypertext. Now write an index.
Bend your indexing practices to accommodate the wholly different medium of the web. Learn what
makes a good index, and how that knowledge makes you a better information designer.
We'll deconstruct actual web sites and use indexing as a "hypertext glue" to bring cohesion
to our online work.
various presentations (see below) American Society of Indexers
31st Annual Conference -- Indianapolis, Indiana
June 1999;
Indexing Technology in the 21st Century (panel).
Panelists include Lori Lathrop (moderator), Bill Meisheid, and
Dick Evans. They will discuss what they think the future of indexing will look like.
Working with Others (Even Other Indexers) (roundtable).
Most of the time, indexing is a solitary experience. But what if it isn't?
STC Annual Conference
May 1999; Cincinnati, Ohio
Indexing Without Page Numbers (demonstration).
"The page number provides an intuitive context. Embedded indexing tools suffer because
this context is transparent to authors. Further challenges arise from the low design
priority awarded to embedded indexing tools of several applications. Hypertext-based
indexing, such as on the World Wide Web, is an extreme case with difficulties ranging
from a huge scope with negligible natural context, to a programming language that
provides no straightforward technique for indentation."
Ask the Indexer: Get Answers to Your Indexing Questions from
Experienced Technical Indexers (panel).
Pageless Indexing (demonstration)
New York Chapter, American Society of Indexers
First Annual Conference
May 1999; New York, New York
"Embedded indexing was discussed
with fervor. It was addressed as a growing field. Out of the 47 participants, only 4
were currently involved with embedded or web indexing. Seth discussed various software
packages that are available to aid the embedded indexer and how the package chosen is
based on the type of work being indexed. He also discussed how as pageless indexing is
in its infancy, indexers are in the position to help set the standards of quality."
--Janice Fisher (indexer)
Info Online 99
April 1999; Orlando, Florida
A New Generation of Index (preconference workshop).
This fun and informative workshop covers types of and tools for indexes, plus rules, theory, and
real-life case studies. You'll explore how good indexes work, and deconstruct the
indexing process. You'll tackle HTML indexes and software limitations, as well as
some high-tech stuff like XML and interactivity.
Indexing for the Web (demonstration). The Web is five years old, yet
indexers have discarded 150 years of experience to adapt to it. Obvious answers no longer
exist. This presentation re-evaluates the fundamentals of indexing and reintroduces
participants to indexing theory and application to online presentation of all kinds.
Expect lots of examples.
Indexing and the Online World (demonstration)
Connecticut Chapter STC Professional Day
March 1999; Hartford, Connecticut
The Web has no intuitive linearity. Pages coexist without sequence, and the size and scope of web
sites are invisible. On the other hand, indexing is the art of ordering nonlinear
information. Clearly then, indexing theory has a direct and overwhelming application
to writing for the Web. For years, indexes have been based upon page numbers, and the
transition to online presentation is difficult. However, a re-evaluation of the
fundamentals of indexing reveals a surprising discovery: every hypertext document
is an index, an ordered set of paths to more information. This talk will reintroduce
participants to indexing theory and its application to online presentation of all kinds.
