Owl Things Considered: Issue 3

Hello, I'm Erica Beyea - Lead Customer Success Owl at KnowledgeOwl.

This is the third issue of Owl Things Considered, a periodic newsletter. 

We're deep into the dog days of summer, and it feels like a nice time to share some fun things with you. I'm here to bring you both educational and inspiring content that I hope will improve your day and expand your skill set.

"Upon reflection", oil on canvas, 32" x 40", Erica Beyea, 2025 

This month's riddle 

How did the dog find his owl friend's nest without a map? Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter to find out! 

Knowledge management tips: Information Scent

How we sniff around to find what we need 

Our very own Documentation Goddess Kate Mueller introduced me to the concept of information scent when I attended her Knowledge Management Master Class class last year. 

I've since found myself noticing it (or the lack of it) on every website I visit. 

Information scent describes how people evaluate their options when they are looking for specific information. 

When searching for answers, readers have to choose where to look. When given a list of options, they'll choose the option that gives them the clearest indication (or strongest scent) that it will get them closer to the information they require. 

If your site has good information scent, your readers should find what they need quickly, without having to make use of the back button. Poor information scent will leave readers having to backtrack repeatedly, which leads to frustration and/or abandonment of the search. 

Information Scent: How Users Decide Where to Go Next by Raluca Budiu is a thorough and enjoyable article on the topic. It gives a more in depth explanation of Information Scent, Information Foraging Theory, and ways we improve the context we offer our readers. 

An organization that inspires us: The Good Docs Project

The Good Docs Project (TGDP) is a global community of technical writers, doc tools experts, software engineers, and UX designers who are committed to improving the quality of documentation in open source software and beyond. They aim to educate and empower people to create high-quality documentation by providing them with templates, best practices, and tools to enhance their documentation. 

They have an excellent template repository that we've used here at KnowledgeOwl. 

They also have a vibrant community of members that offer working groups and a positive community culture. If you'd like to contribute to the great work they're doing, you are encouraged to join! 

How KnowledgeOwl gives a hoot 

A behind-the-scenes look at how we operate and strive to make a positive impact

KnowledgeOwl continually strives to contribute positively to the world. 

In each issue of OTC, we'll share a program that we operate under this goal. In this issue, we wanted to draw attention to 1% for the Planet. 

They are a fantastic organization that offers a great opportunity for companies to give back to the planet we're so fortunate to live on. 

Regardless of profitability, we are committed to giving back 1% of our revenue. Dedicating 1% of sales embeds environmental impact into our operations. Half of that must be in direct monetary donations, whereas the other half can be in flexible giving like in-kind donations, employee volunteer time, and 1% for the Planet advertising. 

We have been a part of 1% of the planet since 2021. In that time have donated more than $40,000 USD, which is a really nice feeling. We encourage you to see if it might be a good fit for your organization as well! 

Dopamine dose 

Some warm fuzzies to brighten your day 

Slow down for a moment, chill out, and have a bit of fun! 

In each issue, I'll share a short list of things to add a little light to your day:

Song to smile to: 

If you're familiar with the content I write for KnowledgeOwl, you're certainly already familiar with my dearest of doggies, Ruf. To celebrate these dog days of summer, I'd like to share with you a song that I so very much relate to. Jane Siberry's Everything Reminds Me of my Dog. The video is very much worth the watch.

Heart-warming animal alert: 

Science doggie! Poppy is an oil-spill sniffing Spring Spaniel in Canada, who has been able to detect spills under ice that human nor machines could previously detect. 

Get your free stickers: 

As part of our 10th birthday celebrations last month, we gave away limited edition sticker sheets, and we still have some left! Use this form to order yours.  

❤️ Who we're giving to: 

At KnowledgeOwl, we have a community commitment that we call 2% for People and Planet. 

Beyond our commitment to 1% for the Planet, we also give another 1% to a charity of a different owl's choosing each month. This program allows us to help many different people, in many different communities. 

If you're looking for some donation inspiration, you might think about giving to organizations we've given to recently (or starting a similar program at your company!): 

In May 2025, Chad, Executive Assistant to the CEO & Friend of Felines, donated to Golden Magnolia Sanctuary, a grassroots soup kitchen and community resource center in Fairfield, Iowa. 

In June 2025, Zach, our Developer Owl and Philosopher, chose to give to the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Founded in 1876, AMC is the oldest outdoor recreation and conservation organization in the U.S. It promotes the protection, enjoyment, and sustainable use of the outdoors—especially in the Appalachian region.

Hasta la próxima!

Thanks so much for reading Owls Things Considered! If you have any thoughts, questions, or ideas for the newsletter, please reach out to us at support@knowledgeowl.com. 

P.S. The painting at the top of this issue was created by me, Erica Beyea, Lead Customer Success Owl & Visu-owl artist! And , yes, it's of my boy Ruf. That's also him partying in the sprinkler.

Love, 

Erica, Ruf*, and the rest of KnowledgeOwl 

*world's best boy and my dream dog come to life