re-use 101

[Flato, Gillian]

The easiest way to do it is the following:

1. Have 7 Frame book files
2. The book files can share chapter files that are mostly similar;
likewise, they don't share chapters that are radically different for
each manual.
3. Within the chapters, apply conditional text to the minor differences

With this method, you simply set the conditions as needed before your
build your book. When you build your book or PDF, you generate the
manual and only the text conditioned to that manual displays.

This is the method that I use. It's much easier, cheaper and manageable
then DITA.   


-Gillian


-----Original Message-----
From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com
[mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Joel
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5:36 AM
To: framers at lists.frameusers.com
Subject: re-use 101

I am using Frame 8. I have a set of seven manuals that are close to 100
pages each. Many sections of these manuals are identical, some sections
differ in detail in minor ways, and fewer sections differ in more
substantial ways. Currently they are all Frame books with each chapter
being
its own file within the book. There is no re-use of anything at the
moment.

This is becoming increasingly burdensome to maintain, as a change to
something that appears in all seven manuals requires me to make that
change
manually in all seven files. I would like to get to re-use, or
single-sourcing, but I'm puzzled as to how to get there. Would the best
strategy be:

(a) To use conditional text and generate several versions;

(b) To try and convert everything to XML and sew things together based
on
individual XML files;

(c) Something else?
I have zero XML knowledge, and whenever I read about it, my head hurts.
I am
willing to learn, but the benefit needs to be commensurate with the pain
involved in learning. I'm looking for the simplest solution that allows
for
some common source material using my existing Frame configuration. Ideas
are
appreciated.
Joel
_______________________________________________


You are currently subscribed to Framers as gflato at nanometrics.com.

Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com.

To unsubscribe send a blank email to 
framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com
or visit
http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/gflato%40nanometrics
.com

Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit
http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.