Re: Which would you prefer and why? (Help Tool)

[Robert Courtney <bobsc1 -at- earthlink -dot- net>]

Thanks for your information on MadCap. I knew the history of them but, 
wasn't sure about making a switch. I've used RoboHelp for so long and 
still do. I think I'll do some homework and see what the changes might 
entail and possible make the change.

Thanks,

Robert Courtney
Technical Writer
PDSI -- Principal Decision Systems International
O: (800) 850-7374 ext 1283
F: (714) 703-3000
E: robertcourtney -at- pdsi-software -dot- com
www.pdsi-software.com


On 3/30/2010 9:21 AM, Pro TechWriter wrote:
> As an expert RoboHelp user who has used it since 1994 when it was a plug-in
> for Microsoft Word, my answer is....
>
> MadCap Flare.
>
> Yes. That's right: Madcap Flare. Here's why:
>
> 1. Local support that you can reach -- and is only a time zone or so away,
> compared to a RoboHelp 2nd level support team (and this is my experience, so
> if yours differs, allrighty then) that is working during my nighttime and
> vice versa. First level support is difficult and expensive at Adobe, and
> they have a "stepchild" attitude about RH. Again this is my opinion. Your
> mileage may vary.
>
> 2. A GREAT application with good help documents, excellent (and sometimes
> free) training, and a nice stable interface.
>
> 3. Reusability tagging down to the word level, if you need it, which is
> great if you are a single author and need to streamline as much as possible,
> like addresses, copyright statements, version numbers, computer text, etc.
> You get the idea.
>
> 4. Reliable single-sourcing, and XML output if needed.
>
> 5. Interface with DITA either available now or coming soon. (MadCap people,
> can you expand on this)?
>
> 6. And finally, MadCap is the second-gen RoboHelp: the company was formed by
> all the good creative Robo people when BlueSky was purchased by Macromedia
> (I think Macromedia).
>
> All this after using RoboHelp for 14 years. I still have an old copy, but
> prefer Flare.
>
> **AGAIN this is only my opinion. Take it for what's it's worth: free advice!
> :-)
>
> PT
>
> On Tue, Mar 30, 2010 at 8:00 AM, Deborah Hemstreet<
> dvora -at- tech-challenged -dot- com>  wrote:
>
>    
>> Hi All,
>>
>> I'm blessed and thankful to advise that a client has asked me to develop
>> Help for their Apple application. They have decided to go with WebHelp
>> because of its usability over Apple Help.
>>
>> I have been given the choice of two tools to use: Flare vs RoboHelp. Output
>> will be WebHelp, and possibly PDFs, maybe someday help for mobile
>> applications as well.
>>
>> If you had the choice and cost was not an issue, which Help tool would you
>> pick and why?
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Deborah
>> http://www.tech-challenged.com
>>
>> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>>
>> Use Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word, or HTML and
>> produce desktop, Web, or print deliverables. Just write (or import)
>> and Doc-To-Help does the rest. Free trial: http://www.doctohelp.com
>>
>> Explore CAREER options and paths related to Technical Writing,
>> learn to create SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS documents, and
>> get tips on FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION best practices. Free at:
>> http://www.ModernAnalyst.com
>>
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>>      
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> Use Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word, or HTML and
> produce desktop, Web, or print deliverables. Just write (or import)
> and Doc-To-Help does the rest. Free trial: http://www.doctohelp.com
>
> Explore CAREER options and paths related to Technical Writing,
> learn to create SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS documents, and
> get tips on FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION best practices. Free at:
> http://www.ModernAnalyst.com
>
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Use Doc-To-Help's XML-based editor, Microsoft Word, or HTML and 
produce desktop, Web, or print deliverables. Just write (or import) 
and Doc-To-Help does the rest. Free trial: http://www.doctohelp.com

Explore CAREER options and paths related to Technical Writing,
learn to create SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS documents, and
get tips on FUNCTIONAL SPECIFICATION best practices. Free at:
http://www.ModernAnalyst.com

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