--- Scott Prentice <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > The only way I can think of to do this without a > plugin (or > FrameScript), would be to source the files as XML or > MIF, and have some > process outside of Frame that manages these values. ================================ In my document entitled "A New Approach to Single Sourcing" (available on the microtype site under Articles by Dan Emory), I offer a solution to the problem you describe. The method is as follows:
1, On a reference page in document file (or in the document template), create a multi=row table having the following columns in left-to-right order, named as follows in a header row: * Column 1 = "Variable (Current Value)" * Columns 2 and up = the name of each deliverable requiring changes in the variables value. 2. In each row of column 1, you select and insert one of the variables which changes in one or more deliverables. So, double-clicking on the current value in this column opens the variable diialog.. 3. In columns 2 and up, you insert the required value (of the variable in column 1) for each deliverable. 4. If the current value of a variable in column 1 differs from the required value for a particular deliverable, you double-click on the variable in column 1 to open the variable dialog, click the Edit Definition button, type in the correct value, click the Change button, then click the Done button. Notice that the user who updates the variables doesnt even have to know the name of each variable. All that person must determine is whether the current value of the variable (indicated in column 1) agrees with the required value for a particular deliverable (in columns 2 and up). It might be convenient to add another column to this table which specifies the correct value for the deliverable-neutral configuration of the master document. In that column, all variables would be specified to have their default values (which could be the names of the variables themselves). This approach is superior for the following reasons: A. The user does not have to know the names of the variables which are subject to change for each deliverable, which eliminates the likelihood that the tech writer will pick the wrong variable. B. This solution provides an assured, organized way to manage all variables whose values differ in different deliverables. In effect, the table itself completely defines the scope of the task, as well as the methodology used for successfully carrying out the task. C. If a single master template is used to update all files (including reference pages) in a book, the operation described in B above need be performed only in the master template, and then the updated values of the variables will be imported from the template into all files in the book. ================= _______________________________________________ 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.
