RE: what doc formats do READERs want ?

Subject: RE: what doc formats do READERs want ?
From: "Cardimon, Craig" <ccardimon -at- M-S-G -dot- com>
To: 'Monique Semp' <monique -dot- semp -at- earthlink -dot- net>, 'TechWR-L' <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:52:19 +0000

If readers are considered users and clients, then my answer would be PDF docs. I haven't had anyone request Web Help yet. Then again, today is a new day!

-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-g -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-g -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Monique Semp
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 9:44 PM
To: TechWR-L
Subject: what doc formats do READERs want ?

Hello, writers,

Iâve certainly been following the trends for authoring docs â Wikis, DITA, single-sourcing, all kinds of tools, etc. â but Iâve been asked a very good question: what are the trends from the audienceâs (readerâs) perspective?

That is, we can generally state with confidence that users donât want to read giant PDF docs, but... what do they like more? Do they like HTML pages (whether in a wiki or just as HTML output or HTML help)? Do they like more traditional Help systems? Will they want to dispense with reading and just watch videos?

I can find all sorts of info about the advantages and disadvantages of all sorts of possible doc types, but Iâm not sure where to go to find out what the users will be looking for now, next year, and in 5 years...

Where would you recommend I look for actual metrics? Or certainly feel free to share anecdotes!

Thanks,
-Monique
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Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
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Create and publish documentation through multiple channels with Doc-To-Help.
Choose your authoring formats and get any output you may need. Try
Doc-To-Help, now with MS SharePoint integration, free for 30-days.
http://www.doctohelp.com

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what doc formats do READERs want ?: From: Monique Semp

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