RE: FM file per country for same software
Since I *just* got one of my recalcitrant writers to upgrade to FM8 a few months ago, we haven't implemented the expressions feature in FM8. It's on my to-do list... Along with about 30,000 other things... :-) We'll all be in FM9 before I get around that that, tho... -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Peter Gold Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 11:53 AM To: Martinek, Carla Cc: Lynn Durell; framers@lists.frameusers.com Subject: Re: FM file per country for same software Hi, Carla: With all your conditions, I'm wondering if you're using logical expressions (new in FM 8) or are doing it the old way. - Regards, Peter - 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. ___ 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.
FM file per country for same software
It is not clear from the original email how intertwined the country differences are. If much of a given chapter is identical, then an inset strategy might work. Make the text that is identical for both countries an inset and keep the text that is different maintained locally. Then you wouldn't have to worry about copying and pasting text back and forth, you would just keep the inset text in a commonly accessible location. An advantage of using "shell" chapters with insets is that the chapter keeps the page layout (letter vs. A4 for example) and all the variables and the inset text picks that stuff up seamlessly. Fred -- Fred Wersan Senior Technical Writer MAK Technologies 68 Moulton St. Cambridge, MA 02138 617-876-8085
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 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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.
Re: FM file per country for same software
I don't see any reason not to treat it as you would translation into any other language. If I were you, I'd: * turn track changes on * plan on serial processing -- one writer is the lead for any given chapter or part. The other writer waits patiently for a draft that has been reviewed, edited, and approved. This increases the time required to release, but if the writers are on different release schedules, you just need to factor it in. * use your company's bug tracking system to log and record errors that the second writer finds in the final draft that has been passed to them. Don't do it informally. Art Art Campbell [EMAIL PROTECTED] ... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl. -- Richard Thompson No disclaimers apply. DoD 358 On Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 8:15 AM, Lynn Durell [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 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 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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/art.campbell%40gmail.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. ___ 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.
RE: FM file per country for same software
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:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lynn Durell Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 7:15 AM To: framers@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 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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/cmartinek%40zebra.co m Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] 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. ___ 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.
Re: FM file per country for same software
Hi, Carla: With all your conditions, I'm wondering if you're using logical expressions (new in FM 8) or are doing it the old way. - Regards, Peter On Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 8:17 AM, Martinek, Carla [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: 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:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Lynn Durell Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 7:15 AM To: framers@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 [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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.
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
FM file per country for same software
I don't see any reason not to treat it as you would translation into any other language. If I were you, I'd: * turn track changes on * plan on serial processing -- one writer is the lead for any given chapter or part. The other writer waits patiently for a draft that has been reviewed, edited, and approved. This increases the time required to release, but if the writers are on different release schedules, you just need to factor it in. * use your company's bug tracking system to log and record errors that the second writer finds in the final draft that has been passed to them. Don't do it informally. Art Art Campbell art.campbell at gmail.com "... In my opinion, there's nothing in this world beats a '52 Vincent and a redheaded girl." -- Richard Thompson No disclaimers apply. DoD 358 On Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 8:15 AM, Lynn Durell wrote: > 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 art.campbell at gmail.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/art.campbell%40gmail.com > > Send administrative questions to listadmin at frameusers.com. Visit > http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. >
FM file per country for same software
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: framers-boun...@lists.frameusers.com [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.
FM file per country for same software
Hi, Carla: With all your conditions, I'm wondering if you're using logical expressions (new in FM 8) or are doing it the old way. - Regards, Peter On Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 8:17 AM, Martinek, Carla wrote: > 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: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com > [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
FM file per country for same software
Since I *just* got one of my recalcitrant writers to upgrade to FM8 a few months ago, we haven't implemented the expressions feature in FM8. It's on my to-do list... Along with about 30,000 other things... :-) We'll all be in FM9 before I get around that that, tho... -Original Message- From: knowhowpro at gmail.com [mailto:knowhow...@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Peter Gold Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 11:53 AM To: Martinek, Carla Cc: Lynn Durell; framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: Re: FM file per country for same software Hi, Carla: With all your conditions, I'm wondering if you're using logical expressions (new in FM 8) or are doing it the old way. - Regards, Peter - 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.
