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Sean Brierley wrote:
>
> ...are indexers running away from embedded markers or
> is it still possible to get indexers to work with us
> in that embedded regard?
It's definitely possible! You just need to find the ones who'd rather work than "be right."
What do I mean by that?
I've found that most indexers really like to use the specialized indexing software that makes their jobs easier--Cindex, Macrex, and Sky are the most popular. These tools, which are really expensive, offer all kinds of bells and whistles that help the indexers be as efficient as possible. Indexers want to be efficient and want to get the most out of their sizable investment, all of which is perfectly reasonable.
Another cause for their reluctance is that, by comparison to their expensive tools, embedding index entries in Word (and to a lesser extent in Framemaker) is a pretty tedious process.
I think some indexers also see embedding as a threat (fewer entries for them to create when the next edition needs indexing) and a hassle (more work coordinating the old entries with the new ones).
ALl that said, there are several great professional indexers who will gladly provide exactly the service you want.
Visit one of these web sites to find them:
* American Society of Indexers (www.asindexing.org)
* Australian Society of Indexer (www.aussi.org)
* Indexing and Absracting Society of Canada (www.indexingsociety.ca)
* Society of Indexers, Great Britain (www.socind.demon.co.uk)
Since you're using Framemaker, find an indexer who knows about a tool called IXgen. I've heard nothing but good about it, and the right indexer for the job probably already owns it.
If you have trouble locating someone, contact me off-list, and I'll try to help.
HTML Indexer 4 is still the easiest way to create and maintain indexes
for web sites, intranets, HTML Help, JavaHelp, and other HTML documents.
HTML Indexer 4 includes fully integrated cross-references, target frames
and windows, multiple-file output, "one-step accept" of default entries,
and more!
RoboHelp Studio maximizes your Help authoring power by combining
RoboHelp Office and RoboDemo, so you can easily create professional
Help systems that feature interactive tutorials and demos.
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