Here's an idea I like - a contest to generate the most creative and innovative tutorials for Macintosh users. Sure, the meme is that being a Mac user means not having to read the manual, but the fact is that the Mac world is also home to some of the best writers and teachers on the planet. Organized by the non-profit Macinstruct [1] site, the Tutorama [2] contest aims to encourage Mac users to help others with clearly presented, helpful tutorials. The format isn't fixed: although the written word remains the ultimate communication method for many people, you're welcome to submit video tutorials, Flash animations, or who knows what else. Just make sure it succeeds at teaching your topic. And even if you don't win one of the very cool prizes [3], you'll have the satisfaction of having shared your knowledge with other Mac users.

Now, I'm not writing about Tutorama purely because I think it's a good idea, but also because I'm helping to judge entries [4], along with Tonya [5], our senior editor Joe Kissell [6], Take Control author Kirk McElhearn [7], and Take Control editor Dan Frakes [8]. Other judges include the doyenne of Mac technical writing, Robin Williams [9]; the inimitable Guy Kawasaki [10]; No Starch Press founder William Pollock [11]; Jonathan Price [12], creator of Apple's first style guide; and Amber MacArthur [13], a new media journalist and video host.

Check out the Tutorama Resources page [14] for the official rules and advice from the judges, and then think about what you'd like to explain to the rest of the world.

[1]: http://www.macinstruct.com/
[2]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/
[3]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/prizes
[4]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/adam/
[5]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/tonya/
[6]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/joe/
[7]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/kirk/
[8]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/dan/
[9]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/robin/
[10]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/guy/
[11]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/william/
[12]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/jonathan/
[13]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/amber/
[14]: http://www.macinstruct.com/tutorama/resources.php

Permanent article URL: http://db.tidbits.com/article/8845
This is a specially formatted version of this TidBITS article that removes colors, and optionally removes images; it's designed to minimize the use of ink and paper.
Unless otherwise noted, this article is copyright © 2007 TidBITS Publishing, Inc.. TidBITS is copyright © 2008 TidBITS Publishing Inc. Reuse governed by this Creative Commons License: http://www.tidbits.com/terms/.