Re(2): Release notes: term for bugs

[Jan Henning <henning -at- r-l -dot- de>]

>On the topic of release notes, what's the standard format? ASCII, RTF or
>HTM?

I don't think there is a standard format. But here are some suggestions:

- It is paramount that every recepient be able to read the release notes.
This rules out RTF - unbelievable as it may seem, there are actually
users who do not have Word. (Of course, if the release notes are for a
Word add-on, it would be different.)

- Text (Ascii) is the most easily read format, but limits you in what you
can do. Long release notes (more than one or two pages) quickly become
confusing in Ascii.

- HTML can also be read by almost everybody. It lets you include graphics
but allows only limited control over the layout (unless you really put
effort into it). 

- PDF can also be read by almost everybody. Some users may not yet have
the reader installed, requiring a spearate step before they can access
the text. PDF gives you the most control over the layout, allows easy
printing, good navigation, and is foolproof because it encapsulates
everything.

- If the relase notes are for a graphics or layout application, or if
they are for an add-on to such an application, you could do the release
notes in that application. There may be font issues, however.

Our current favorite is PDF. Before you decide on a format, you may wnat
to analyze what your users want and what tools are available to them.

Hope this helps
Jan Henning

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Jan Henning
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E-Mail: henning -at- r-l -dot- de, Web: www.r-l.de
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