TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:RE: Please describe value of Information Mapping From:David Hailey <david -dot- hailey -at- usu -dot- edu> To:Bob Doyle <bobdoyle -at- skybuilders -dot- com>, Bill Swallow <techcommdood -at- gmail -dot- com> Date:Sat, 5 Apr 2008 08:44:44 -0600
In response to Bob's excellent post, chunking can be particularly advantageous if we remember that a technical document often has a variety of audiences with a number of different purposes (e.g., executive summary as opposed to highly technical content in the same report). A "chunk" of information, correctly done, should automatically be directed at the appropriate purpose and audience, even if it is applied to a new document.
The danger is to use a chumk of information that is on topic but not appropriate for its purpose or audience in the new document. This is a common practice and error in digital documentation.
In a simple test I give graduate students, all working professionals, I have them evaluate a simple web site where the above problem (wrong purpose and audience) appears twice. 100% of the time, these professional writers fail to identify either problem.
The XML DITA approach to organization is very powerful, but it comes with the need to be careful about how the chunks are inserted into documents.
Just a thought.
Dave
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
