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When I first started writing in DITA, two things helped me become productive quickly. One was my knowledge of other mark-up languages and the other was not a skill but more a mindset or approach to documentation. Even when I used FrameMaker, I always thought of the documentation as a collection of topics rather than a linear chain of information like a book. I took a few workshops and training sessions on minimalism, structured writing, and modular writing, which strengthened my skills in writing in that form.
Over the years I have introduced a lot of writers to DITA and that mindset-topic-based writing versus linear writing-is the main stumbling block for a lot of writers. Those who are used to linear writing often have greater difficulty adapting to the principles on which DITA was founded.
Now, writing in DITA is one thing . . . working with the DITA toolkit is a whole other matter. THAT requires some skill. :)
On Monday, August 20, 2012, Kari Gulbrandsen wrote:
> Oops. I hit send too soon. I had the same questions about DITA.
> Thanks!
Regards,
Kathleen
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