Re: Single Sourcing - Myth or Salvation?
1. Do you currently use single sourcing, are you thinking about it, or will
it happen over your dead body?
Use it all the time. :)
2. If you use it, how successful is it? Do the online results represent
good-quality online help? Do the printed documents represent good-quality
printed manuals?
I sure would like to say they are.
In my opinion, many of the things you do to make online help will simply make a good print manual even better -- for example, chunking and copious cross-refs.
3. If you use it, how much overhead is there? (I.e., does it take just as
long, longer, or less time than it would to do both separately?) How do you
know?
Less time. I just write it once. Since I have so little time, it's generally the reason I can even offer both online help and print versions -- I wouldn't have time to do them separately.
4. Is it worth doing?
Depends on what you're trying to accomplish. It's not a magic answer to all your problems. I have a lot of applications that people need to use but may or may not have a print manual on them -- this way they can access all the help from the interface, plus we make manuals for those who like it in paper.
5. Briefly describe the process and techniques you use to create single
source materials.
I write in Frame and generate help using WebWorks and a template developed internally. (I'm also caretaker of the template. ;D)
Sometimes I use conditional text, sometimes I don't. All depends on the book.
6. Did you invent your own solution, inherit the solution, or learn from
someone else (Hackos, etc.)?
Inherited and invented. I didn't start the template, but I assist in the care and feeding.
7. How big is your company? [Small = < 100 people Medium = <500 people
Large = < 1000 people XLarge = > 1001 people]
XLarge.
-Katie
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Check it out! Get some cool freebies when you buy RoboHelp! You'll receive
SnagIt screen capture software and a 10% discount voucher for RoboHelp
Consulting. This special offers expires March 29, 2002.
www.ehelp.com/techwr
Have you looked at the new content on TECHWR-L lately?
See http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ and check it out.
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
References:
Single Sourcing - Myth or Salvation?: From: jgarison
Previous by Author:
Re: Depression, Harrassment, etc. (WAS: RE: What a predicament!)
Next by Author:
Re: Google response
Previous by Thread:
Single Sourcing - Myth or Salvation?
Next by Thread:
RE: Single Sourcing - Myth or Salvation?
Search our Technical Writing Archives & Magazine
Visit TechWhirl's Other Sites
Sponsored Ads