I recognize that this is an old thread. I just got back from vacation, and thought I'd chime in, if that is okay.
I've did a quick browse-through the document, and I think that it is okay. However, I might recommend that if you are going to keep the 2 column format (which I think works, most of the time in that particular doc), I'd suggest that you do something with a horizontal rule to separate sections. You appear to have section-level blocks that are one column, but within those section blocks you have two columns of instructions. Since your section titles generally aren't long enough to give a visual indicator that the sections are single-columned, it might be better to have something that bridges the two columns that helps make it obvious that the sections themselves are single-columned. While I imagine your users will figure it out quickly, a horizontal rule between sections would be an added bonus to make it more clear. And I'm in the camp of following the wishes of your manager, where possible. Not only is this her project that she has to defend at a higher level, but she is also the person who presumably you have to please when it comes time for your performance review. I don't say you should be spineless and back down without pitching your best recommendations, but after you have made a recommendation and it has been decided against, then I believe you have at least two choices: live with it (with a smile is preferable), or find different working arrangements. Best wishes. -Paul Pehrson Midvale, UT On 6/5/07, Sue Heim <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > OK, I got one for you all... > > We have this "quick start guide." It's really not quick, since it's 20 > pages. Previously, it was created in Framemaker and PDF'd. They did "odd > things" in Framemaker, by using extra paragraph returns to add blank > space, > and they did this thing that just horrifies me: > > They started out one column, for two or three pages, then it switched to > two > columns for a couple of pages, then back to one column, then the next page > that was two column was weird (text on the left, screen shots that lined > up > to a specific step on the right, so there was lots of empty space). Then > back and forth between two and one. > > I hate it. I think it looks unprofessional. And I think it's a royal pain > to > read. > > I've got all the content in to AIT now, and I've created a "newsletter" > style template. With a one column SECTION at the top of the first page, so > the product name and title span two columns. Then the rest of the content > is > all two columns. It's not all pure text. > > My manager wants to go back to the one column then two column then one > column thing. > > What would you do? A single two column document (sans the heading)? Or a > mixed one and two column document? > > ...sue > ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. Interactive 3D Documentation Parts catalogs, animated instructions, and more. www.i3deverywhere.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
