The Society for Technical Communication (STC) helped technical writers for more than 60 years. It offered training, set standards, and brought people together. STC started in the 1950s and grew as the field of technical writing became more important. Over time, it faced many changes and challenges. This timeline shows how STC began, grew, and eventually went out of business in 2024.
1953 — Founding Roots
- The STC traces its origins to three local groups of technical communicators:
- The Society of Technical Writers (Boston)
- The Technical Publishing Society (Los Angeles)
- The Association of Technical Writers and Editors (New York)
1957 — Official Formation
- These groups formed the Society of Technical Writers and Editors (STWE).
- Later renamed to the Society of Technical Writers (STW).
1960 — STWP Merger
- STW merged with the Technical Publishing Society.
- Became the Society of Technical Writers and Publishers (STWP).
1961 — Renamed STC
- The organization was renamed the Society for Technical Communication (STC).
1960s–1980s — Expansion and Influence
- Rapid growth due to demand for technical documentation.
- Launched local chapters, SIGs, and the Technical Communication journal.
- Hosted annual international conferences.
1990s — The Digital Shift
- Adapted to new technologies (HTML, XML, DITA, UX).
- Membership peaked at over 25,000.
2000s — Financial Struggles Begin
- Membership decline due to online competition and shrinking corporate support.
- Faced growing competition from newer, more agile professional groups.
2012 — Major Restructuring
- Sold its Virginia headquarters.
- Downsized staff and publications.
- Shifted focus to virtual formats.
2015–2019 — Pivot and Survival
- Experimented with online certification and partnerships.
- Some stabilization, but no significant recovery in membership.
2020–2022 — Pandemic Pressures
- COVID-19 disrupted in-person conferences and events.
- Membership dipped below 5,000.
- Several chapters dissolved.
2023 — Financial Warnings
- Concerns rose about lack of financial transparency.
- Membership engagement decreased further.
2024 — Bankruptcy Filing
- Filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in early 2024.
- Assets liquidated; operations ceased.
- Domain and archives briefly preserved by volunteers.
Legacy
- The Technical Communication journal and many publications archived.
- Former members carry on STC’s mission through other organizations.
- Influenced generations of technical communicators.
Final Thoughts
The Society for Technical Communication served as the voice and hub for technical writers and communicators for over 60 years. Its story ends with financial collapse. However, its legacy lives on through the professionals it supported. It also survives in the standards it helped define and the community it cultivated.
See also:
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