The roofrack manual that I mention below made good use of visual instructions. As a linguist, I have a deep love of words, and of clear writing. But as a technical communicator, I fully appreciate the importance of good visual instructions, of using well-crafted drawings, diagrams, illustrations and screen clips to guide the user. On the weekend of 23rd and 24th June 2007, the UK chapter of the Society for Technical Communication (or STC) is organising a two-day Visual Communications Weekend in Cambridge. What better excuse could one need for a wonderful summer's weekend in one of England's prettiest university towns? And they have top-notch speakers lined up, with Caroline Jarrett, Matthew Ellison, Phylise Banner Klein, Conrad Taylor and Patrick Hofmann all presenting over the course of the weekend. Take a look here for booking details - and I hope to see you there!