Training materials for Structured FrameMaker 9

[Alison Craig]

I'm just beginning the process of looking at what a (more) structured environment could give me rather than XML as a specific solution. However, as budget is a big issue and I have Frame 9, Structured Frame seemed a good place to start.

I read Sarah O'Keefe's piece "XML and Lone Writers" this morning and my immediate response to it was that XML wouldn't suit the constraints under which I work and the current output I am required to produce.

However, I can see us evolving in that direction as Management is starting to understand the whole reuse concept through my application of Conditional Text. Because Conditional Text is only going to take us so far in constructing the documents they are beginning to envision, I may be able to make a good case for XML/Structured Frame in order to create all the different things they have suddenly decided would be a good idea.

However, as my plate is extremely full for the next 5 months (2 software updates planned for 4 hardware platforms, introduction of a 5th hardware platform, 2 Service Manuals to update and a 3rd Service Manual to create from scratch), nothing will get done in a hurry.

Alison
 
Alison Craig, Technical Writer
Ultrasonix Medical Corporation
Tel: (604) 279-8550, ext 127
E-mail: alison.craig at ultrasonix.com
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com [mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Fred Wersan
Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2010 10:16 AM
To: framers at lists.frameusers.com
Subject: RE: Training materials for Structured FrameMaker 9

If your only reason for considering structured FrameMaker is because you 
want some kind of XML solution, then read up about XML. However, there 
are benefits to using a structured authoring environment that have 
nothing to do with converting to XML. They involve controlling the 
quality and consistency of the documents you product, how you re-use 
content within the FrameMaker environment, and other good stuff. I'm a 
lone writer too and I think it's worth it.

Fred

> 
> Message: 1
> Subject: RE: Training materials for Structured FrameMaker 9
  >
> What about taking this one step back? I'm the lone writer in my organization and any innovations have to be led by me with a damn good case for ROI, e.g., moving from Word to FrameMaker was a 2 year process (budget is the main reason I have to over-prove my case).
> etc
>  
> Alison Craig, Technical Writer

-- 
Fred Wersan
Senior Technical Writer
VT MAK
68 Moulton St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-876-8085 x 124

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