All -
As an author who has worked closely with Todd I would
like to set the record straight, and I will also
invite him to join in this discussion.
There are three classifications of author - an author,
a co-author, and a contributor. CiscoPress adds a
fourth - an editor. An author typically writes the
most chapters and is responsible for the outline of
the book. He or she may read all the materials from
others, but not always. A co-author typically writes a
few chapters, and may contribute to the outline.
Contributors may write up to a chapter, and may
contribute advise or other materials (glossary,
introduction, etc). Editors typically take material
from other sources and combine them.
For CID, I wrote the book. Todd provided guidance, the
glossary, and the base introduction. We edited it in
Dallas, FYI. I am proud of the text, and disappointed
to learn that a reader was unhappy with the CCDA book
and chose to avoid the CID material as a result. The
same is also true - you may love the CCNA text, but
that doesn't mean that the Routing book will work for
you.
Typically we, through Sybex, Syngress, etc., (I am
working on a book for Syngress now (AVVID)), try to
maintain a consistent level and style, but sometimes
the author's background or expertise alters this. In
addition, for the certifications, all of us (to my
knowledge) have passed the test at least once and many
take the test a few times. We also use (based on my
experience) sample tests, CCO, the Cisco materials,
other's experiences, and feedback from readers. It is
permitted to write a book on a subject without
attaining the certification related to that test (but
you must still pass that one test).
As a former journalist, I was forced to learn how to
research a topic I knew nothing about and present it,
then forget and move on. This skill is very useful in
authoring, however, I am greatful to be able to select
topics that I know and that are easily augmented with
research.
Please look at each text as its own work, and select
authors based on what works for you. For example, I
like to write with lots of 'experience' material and
in the third person while others are successful with
the first person, just the facts presentation. I test
my materials by pre-releasing chapters to a couple of
beginner level collegues and having them take the
test. If they do well then I wrap it up... if not we
try to tweak...
CiscoPress is good, depending on the text, and I use
them outside of writing a lot. However, these books
frequently are best for people who desire less
hand-holding. Sybex tends to lead the reader through
the process. Both have advantages, and disadvantages.
=====
Robert Padjen
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