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Subject:Re: The Tools Tech Writers Use From:Max Wyss <prodok -at- PRODOK -dot- CH> Date:Fri, 31 Jul 1998 02:15:58 +0200
Adrienne,
to me, it is quite obvious why suboptimal tools are used. The decision is
not made by the people who actually work with the tools, but by
beancounters or similar...
The reasoning is that MessyWord is bundled with the computer, whereas for
Frame, a few Dollars must be spent. Of course, the time wasted working with
MessyWord (compared to the time needed with appropriate tools) would
justify those tools within a very short time.
OK, you asked. My tool of choice is Framemaker. And I use it even if I have
to export my documents as MSWord file...
Hope, this can help.
Max Wyss
PRODOK Engineering AG
Technical documentation and translations, Electronic Publishing
CH-8906 Bonstetten, Switzerland
Fax: +41 1 700 20 37
e-mail: mailto:prodok -at- prodok -dot- ch or 100012 -dot- 44 -at- compuserve -dot- com
Bridging the Knowledge Gap ...
... with Acrobat Forms ... now for belt drive designers at
>I am conducting some research on the tools technical writers use in
>preparing documentation (hard copy,online). I am interested in your
>opinions on how organizations decide what tools(i.e. Ms Word, Framemaker,
>Robohelp) should be used to prepare documentation and what role, if any do
>tech writers play in these corporate decisions. Why, for instance, does
>MS Word seem to be a standard tool despite its limitations ? Is it because
>of its popularity (or that of Bill Gates) or its ease of use ?
>
>I am also intersted in knowing the popular tools amongst technical writers
>(i.e. if you had your choice, what would it be) and the techniques used to
>stay abreast of new technology.
>
>I look forward to hearing from you..................
>
>Andriene Ferguson
>aefergus -at- learn -dot- senecac -dot- on -dot- ca
>
