RE: Issues about documentation process/management

["Erika Yanovich" <ERIKA_y -at- rad -dot- com>]

I want to comment just on the quality issue when during lack of
resources, I saw this in several postings (embedded in other issues). I
believe there is basic quality that comes from the process and the
writer's training and external quality that comes from reviews/edits.
There should be no compromise on the basic quality, just on the external
one.

Let's say your process defines that each manual should comply with a
standard outline and style guide. The writer also knows the importance
of consistency and acts accordingly. These are 'rules' the writers
adhere to during work (even during rush time). So most manuals will come
with a basic quality I believe is essential. On the other hand, because
there is not enough time, the editor will not review the manual. This is
the external quality that may not be there for a certain release.

So:
1. In order to trade quality for time, you must first define what do you
mean by quality and try to not give up on some.
2. Real life situations are usually more complex than the 'time =
quality' equation.

Erika
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