Lynn - >From my viewpoint, you are doing the right thing now. Moving away from this method will cause you more problems down the road. However, you may need to add additional conditional text settings to accommodate your needs. (I assume you are storing the shared files on a network location accessible by both writers?)
We maintain shared files for multiple product lines (at least 8 at last count). We have separate conditional text formats for each product line for the following: User Guide, Quick Ref Guides, Maintenance Manual, and Maintenance Kit. Add in some other product conditional text options (our software and programming guides) and we are easily over 100 conditional tags in use. It seems daunting at first, but it's really quite logical. I suggest that you create additional logical styles, based on the region and the software release. For example: UK 1.1 UK 2.0 US 1.1 US 2.0 Or, if you want them grouped differently: 1.1 US 1.1 UK Etc. Assign each release a specific COLOR for the condition, and add a format for the region. For example: UK 1.1 = BLUE Overline US 1.1 = BLUE Underline UK 2.0 = PINE GREEN Overline US 2.0 = PINE GREEN Underline We created a matrix that has sample text for all of our conditions, and use it to import conditional text and variable settings. I've attached it to this email (the list won't get it, tho. If anyone else wants to see this example, email me offlist.) Also, look at the granularity of each file you are sharing. Are they full chapters, or individual topics that are assembled into chapters within the Frame book? (We do the topical files, assembled in the book.) If you have topics which are completely different for new versions of the software, create and name the topics based on that. (e.g., installation_UK-r2_0.fm and installation_US-r2_0, or installation_UK-r1_1.fm and installation_US-r1_1.) That allows you addiitional control as to what gets added into specific books. Regards, Carla -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of Lynn Durell Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 7:15 AM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: FM file per country for same software Hi Framers, We currently have a single source FM doc, with conditional tags used for UK-only or USA-only sections, so the same FM file is used for both UK and USA versions of our software app, with 2 writers (one UK, one USA) working in conjunction on the same file. This is too complex to keep up, especially as UK and USA versions of the software are not released at the same time, so we are going to split the FM in two copies. Going forwards, there will be one writer updating the UK FM and one writer updating the USA FM. However, we don't want both writers to be documenting the same software, but at the same time, we don't want one writer to have to continuously list or copy/paste all their changes to the other writer (who then localises). Does anyone have experience with this and how to work with it? Thanks, Lynn Durell lynn.durell at dds.co.uk _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as cmartinek at zebra.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/cmartinek%40zebra.co m Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. - 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.
