Publish or perish (into a black hole). It's not just for academics anymore

The academic community has a long history of measuring the accomplishment of its members by their proclivity to publish and to base growth and advancement on the sheer quantity of those publications. "Publish or perish" has long been a way of life in academia. Engineers and their managers, on the other hand, are typically more concerned with "shipping the hardware" than writing something. The rapid rate of change in the microwave engineering community has made it more important than ever to be able to exchange information within the profession. One of the most effective ways of achieving this goal is through the publication of technical papers. This article outlines the why, where, what, how and when of publication. Writing and publishing one's work is an important part of a successful professional career. There are many alternatives and, once the ice is broken with the first paper, it becomes easier and easier. Most people can find someone in their organization who can offer helpful advice and encouragement. The main point is to recognize that writing, like attending advanced classes, should not be neglected or forgotten due to the daily pressures of the job.