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Subject:RE: Master Documents in Word From:"Steve Hudson" <steve -at- wright -dot- com -dot- au> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 23 Aug 2001 09:51:22 +1000
As the resident word-heretic who loves to fly in the face of all that is
traditional and good, I will re-post the "how to work with master documents
and survive" info I have sent a few dozen times before if you need it - just
ask.
Yes, you can use alternative methods, AND SPEND MORE TIME AND EFFORT than if
you use a master doc with some very simple rules.
Steves Golden Rules of Master Documents:
Rule 1 - No text OTHER than the auto-toc, in your master.
Rule 2 - Do NOT perform editing via expanded sub-docs from your master -
enter the sub's directly from the file system
Rule 3 - Delete all auto-section breaks.
Rule 4 - Master and subs to have same template.
Rule 5 - If you change your templated styles, rebuild your docs.
Rule 6 - To x-ref twixt sep dox, ignore rule 2.
Rule 7 - Regularly throw your master out and start again. This is why you
keep the toc in the master, you print it out without updates to use as your
rebuild guide.
Rule 8 - Only create & load the master doc at publishing time where
possible.
Rule 9 - Do NOT save changes after publishing. Ie - Get your subbies perfect
beforehand, and forget the updated links etc from the print process.
Unwanted corruption can get saved back into the files.
Rule 10 - Use version control software such as VSS for complete peace of
mind.
Steve Hudson
Principal Technical Writer
Wright Technologies (Aus)
steve -at- wright -dot- com -dot- au
(612) 9518-1822
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