1. Technology played a bigger role: They usually have one speaker
discuss the web each year, but this year there were sessions on
Blogs, Making six-figures, Online travel writing, and Writing
for tech markets. That's four new topics spawned by the blurred lines
between writing and technology, and an interesting trend. Some of
these sessions were standing room only.

2. Many speakers discussed the move from print to, not just online
journalism, but multimedia. Even a New York Times columnist spoke
of the recent changes in her work. She used to write a 1,000 word
column. Now her editors want 600 words, plus make her read the
column aloud for a podcast, and create a multimedia story,
combining voice, text, and photos. All for the same pay. Almost
every editor said they want shorter work that leads the reader
somewhere else - another link, another story.

3. The third change was the reason I went to the conference this
year: A growing movement toward self-publishing. ASJA has
partnered with iUniverse, one of the top print-on-demand firms,
to offer members a better publishing package. And during two
half-day sessions on self-publishing. I saw the audience doing
the math -- as our own Nolan Lewis has mentioned on the CWA
forum -- there is something wrong with the traditional publishing
model, when the author keeps less than one percent of the
revenue from their book.

Self-publishing and print-on-demand offer writers both the
ability to get their book published, and to make more money per
book. In fact, I've gotten Nolan's permission to quote him in
my upcoming book on self-publishing.

HG: I started my consulting business, Computer Clarity, ten years
ago when people were just lost, wandering around technology's
backroads, trying to find their way. Along came the Internet, and
I've never looked back. People have a desire and need to learn
more. I offer assistance to young and old who are mystified by
Act, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Vista, all Windows programs,
Wi-Fi, e-mail, backups, and web sites. I also offer effective
computing strategies for desktop or laptop computers.
Consulting pairs nicely with my business and tech writing, as
one feeds the other with ideas for new topics.

In addition to having clients contact me by email ad of
<helen@cclarity.com>, I provide an "Online Notebook," "Q
& A Forum," "Tech Blog," a free e-newsletter, and my book,
"Computer Ease."

In the Q & A forum, I answer anyone's questions about
computer problems. Since I speak to groups a lot, this year I
added a "Presentations & Publishing," page. That's the nice
thing about web sites. You can start small and build on it
over time.

Another site, www.gallagherink.com is more focused on my
writing life.