-----Original Message----- The first couple of pages of the Preface contain the doc info (audience, scope, purpose, structure, etc.), and the stuff that's shared among the docs is in the latter 3/4 of the Preface. Would it work to split it into two files (the first part with all the doc-specific stuff just set up as a regular template, and the second part set up as a single-sourced file that everyone could point to from their books)? ----------
In a short, simple, answer -- Yes. By breaking your content into shorter topical files, you can increase their reuse. Our general standard here is to break apart files when they have a top-level (Heading 1, etc.) heading. We've got 1000+ different topical files that we can reuse between docs as necessary. Some files can be reused across multiple product lines; some only within product lines. We got away from text insets because of some inherent problems we were having with them, and build the books by linking the topical files together. For example, a book might look like this: Cover Copyright Toc About This Doc__FrontPage About_contacts_tech_support ---- (reused across all product lines) About_doc_conventions Intro__FrontPage External_view ---- (reused within product lines) Media_compartment front_panel Firmware_language_modes Operations_FrontPage etc. Etc. We create a intro page (FrontPage) for each chapter, and then link in the topical files behind it. It works for us. We have one writer who maintains all of the UG/QRG files for 6 product lines and several OEM versions. I think at last count she was responsible for 25+ active manuals, and by sharing the content this way, she manages to keep things updated and meet deadlines and release dates. We set this up with the expectation that we will be moving to structured content (XML/DITA), and topical is the way to go for that. Also, once we move the topical content to XML, our Tech Support Help Desk will easily be able to grab and reuse the content for their needs. -Carla - CONFIDENTIAL- This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential, and may also be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not review, use, copy, or distribute this message. If you receive this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply email and then delete this email. _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.