Any resources specific to creating/publishing indexes for software help systems?

[<Geoff -dot- Mann -at- thomsonreuters -dot- com>]

Hi, folks.

 

I've found several worthy resources describing general best practices
for indexing in a variety of arenas, but none that specifically
addresses developing indexes for publishing in software help systems
(WebHelp or WinHelp). I'm already aware of commonly accepted indexing
guidelines and principles, so I'm primarily interested to know what sort
of unique considerations and best practices exist for developing indexes
with functionally limited, embedded indexing features in help authoring
tools like RoboHelp.

 

A couple examples of what I'd like to read about: (1) In what situations
is it better to link to multiple topics from a single index entry
(resulting in a Topics Found dialog, assuming it's not buggy in RH v.7
like it was in X5) versus adding additional subentries with one topic
linked to each entry? (2) When does/doesn't the 5-7 maximum locator rule
apply to lists of subentries or topics found? (3) What special
considerations exist regarding balanced coverage of content when the
content exists in a non-linear format? 

 

I realize there may be some common ground in electronic and web
indexing, even information architecture, but I hope to avoid having to
wade through masses of irrelevant info in hope of finding a few meager
gems.

 

FWIW, my colleagues and I are already well on our way to drafting
internal guidelines and best practices specific to our environment, but
I'm still interested in comparing notes.

 

Cheers.

 

Geoff Mann
Senior Technical Writer

Professional Software & Services

Thomson Reuters 

Phone: 800-607-5100 x3736

geoff -dot- mann -at- thomsonreuters -dot- com
thomsonreuters.com
CS.Thomson.com | ES.Thomson.com

Any views, opinions, and judgments expressed in this message are solely
those of the author. The message content has not been reviewed or
approved by Thomson Reuters or its affiliates.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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- 

To unsubscribe send a blank email to 
techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/archive%40web.techwr-l.com


To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com

Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/ for more resources and info.