From the Editor

Welcome to the first issue of Writer's Block on the World Wide Web. Our objective is to bring you — aspiring as well as established writers and editors — useful and entertaining information on writing and the business of documentation.

As all writers and editors know, the environment in which we perform our craft has a profound impact on the work that is produced. With the proliferation of information technology, greater numbers of professional writers and editors are turning to the convenience of working in the home. While the benefits of this type of arrangement are fairly obvious (such as avoiding rush-hour traffic, and eliminating the need to lease expensive office space, not to mention the need to put on fancy clothes or even to comb one's hair in the morning), there are pitfalls.

Our feature article focusses on the working environment and how to create one that is positive and conducive to good writing. As the article points out, no writer can produce good work in complete isolation; good writing almost always results from an environment in which writers and editors work closely with each other, who share a common goal, and who have a mutual understanding of what is required of each of them. This can often only be achieved when there is regular personal contact among the people involved in a writing project.

If you would like to submit an article with a writing or documentation-related focus to be considered for a future issue of Writer's Block, please feel free to mail, fax, or e-mail your submission to Writer's Block. Submissions received will be evaluated on their own merits and to the extent that they match the goals of Writer's Block.

We look forward to seeing you again in three months!