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-boun...@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 _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to framers as alison.craig at ultrasonix.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/alison.craig%40ultrasonix.com Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.
