--- "Linda G. Gallagher" <lindag at techcomplus.com> wrote: > I don't think it was necessary to single out my > response and call what I > said laughable. -------------------------------- Your unqualified statement that the only people left who use such numbering schemes are engineers communicating with other engineers is what made it laughable, because your statement itself was insulting to the many technical disciplines where such numbering schemes are considered essential. Clearly, many types of technical documentation other than engineer-to-engineer documents are enhanced by using a rational numbering scheme, and I cited many examples in my initial reply.
One could infer that your conclusion derives from the fact that your millieu is restricted to on-line help--the realm where shovelware reigns supreme. In general, that regime only works when the product being supported is some relatively simple piece of software, and on-line help is only useful to beginners, who would probably be better off if they could print a complete manual that actually looks like a technical manual when it is printed. The general assumption of on-line help developers seems to be that links are a substitute for a rational numbering scheme. You may be surprised to learn that there are vast realms in which selected technical manual content must be printed out in order to successfully carry out tasks, and thus links no longer work. in those cases, a rational numbering scheme in the printed portion replaces links as the method for finding (and printing) referenced content. ============================ That's an unnecessary insult. ============================== Your statement itself insulted those who produce technical content that is far superior to the typical on-line help shovelware. ====================================== > As for this particular issue, I know of few writers > and companies who advocate using numbered sections as you suggest. ====================================== How many companies or writers do you know who work outside the realm of on-line help shovelware? Dan Emory & Associates FrameMaker/FrameMaker+SGML Document Design & Database Publishing <danemory7224 at sbcglobal.net>