Insights archive
Red Pony is a team of writers, editors, Microsoft Office template developers and communications trainers. We have been writing about our areas of expertise for over a decade in our Red Pony Express newsletter.
This collection features the best articles from the last 10 years.
Technology in editing
A little while back I wrote an article called ‘Secrets of the editing trade’. It became one of our most popular posts, so I thought I’d follow up by exploring some of the tools we use at Red Pony in a little more detail.
Leading the reading: wayfinding in document design
‘Wayfinding refers to information systems that guide people through a physical environment and enhance their understanding and experience of the space.’
What I love about Red Pony clients
Earlier this month I was in Canberra for an Australian Government trade fair. Red Pony is a member of the government’s communications services panel, so I was there to meet people from the various departments and agencies who might engage our services. As I chatted to attendees, I began to reflect on the sales process for writing and editing services.
Making accessible Word documents
No clear thinking organisation would deliberately exclude potential clients or customers. Yet if you aren’t providing your audience with accessible Word documents, you may be doing exactly that.
Why Word 2016 for Mac is a damp squib
When I installed the preview version of Word 2016 for Mac last week, I did the same thing as I have done for every version since the release of Word 2004 for Mac. And on each occasion I’ve been sorely disappointed.
Keeping software a current affair
Failing to keep your software up to date can have unforeseen and sometimes serious consequences.
Applying styles in Microsoft Word
Way back in issue #2 of the Red Pony Express, we wrote about the advantages of using Microsoft Word templates to improve the presentation and usability of your written materials. However, there’s not much use in having a suite of nicely formatted templates if no one actually knows how to use them.
Managing cross-platform reliability
As you may (or may not) be aware, Red Pony runs a Macintosh office. While this makes for an agreeable and elegant technological environment, we often require access to the Microsoft platform so we can be 100 per cent compatible with clients’ office environments.
Putting in a good Word
For anyone running a business, buying new software can be something of a double-edged sword. While new features can potentially save time and money, it can be hard to justify the (not insignificant) expense of the upgrade if the benefits aren’t immediately obvious.
Large document, looming deadline: a 4-step survival guide
When faced with a daunting task such as this, it can be tempting to run for the hills, or at least bring forward your annual leave. Here’s a few survival tips to help you deliver.
Using Microsoft Word templates
If all the documentation that flows out of your organisation to clients and to the wider public is consistent, clear and pleasing to the eye, you’ve overcome the first hurdle in communicating with your target audience.