Specs for documentation projects?

Subject: Specs for documentation projects?
From: Geoff Hart <ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 02 Aug 2005 15:51:28 -0400


Anthony Hernandez wondered: << Is there a process for documentaiton projects similar to writing specs for software; a process for spelling out the purpose of the documentaton, intended audience, etc?>>

Of course. You've already seen the Hackos version of this mentioned, but the traditional approach to writing _anything_ has always been exactly what you suggest: identify who will be using the information and learn as much as you can about their characteristics, propose a style and approach that will meet the unique and not-so-unique needs of this audience, then develop a detailed outline of the documentation that will meet those needs.

It's not rocket science, though the more refined methodology described by Hackos can be a lifesaver in large, complex, or expensive projects. But it pays to remember that people have been planning writing projects since the first clay tablets were developed to store cuneiform--and possibly longer.

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Geoff Hart ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca
(try geoffhart -at- mac -dot- com if you don't get a reply)
www.geoff-hart.com
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Specs for documentation projects?: From: A.H.

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