Re: What if they can't spell?

[dmbrown -at- brown-inc -dot- com]

In response to my post earlier today:
>
> We believe a traditional index, whether it replaces a search engine
> or simply offers an alternative, always adds value to the web site
> or help system in question.

...and the accompanying "sig" lines, John Posada wrote (off-list):
> 
> We're not biased, are we?  I'm all for self-promotion, but in light
> of the list rules, this was a little blantant...no?

Over the three years that HTML Indexer has been available--and for several months while we developed it, for that matter--I've exchanged perhaps hundreds of messages with dozens of people about the relative merits of traditional indexes (including help-system Index tabs) vs. site-specific (or help system) search engines.

Many of these messages have appeared on Techwr-L, Index-L, Winhlp-L, JavaHelp-Interest, Windmail, Chi-Web, STCiSIG-L, Indexing-Technical-Documents, and e-Publishers.  (I'm probably forgetting some lists, at that.)

This is the first time anyone has accused me of blatant violation of list rules.  I believe there are two reasons for that.

1.  Most of the messages I post to Techwr-L have nothing to do with HTML Indexer.

As a tech writer, I appreciate the resource Techwr-L and the other lists represent, and I try to give as good as I get.  I try to be sure of the accuracy of my statements, I tend to speak up only on subjects where I have enough experience to feel I can make a meaningful contribution, and (if I include instructions) I try to spend the same energy on clarity and thoroughness as I would on formal documentation for a paying client.

2.  When a message does address indexing of HTML files in any format, I always post in the context of a pertinent subject.

The message in question is a perfect example:  Someone expressed concern over a possible shortcoming of search and query engines, and I commented that a traditional index overcomes the failings ascribed to both.  I'd have made the same comment even if we hadn't developed HTML Indexer.  (It was the lack of such a tool that drove us to develop one, initially for our own use.)

Finally, I'm truly sorry if my "sig" lines offend anyone on the list.  Many Techwr-L members include links and promotions for services and products in their own messages, and I'm pretty sure the list administrator would have let me know long ago if I was breaking any rules.

--David

=============================
 David M. Brown - Brown Inc.
    dmbrown -at- brown-inc -dot- com
=============================

A V A I L A B L E   N O W !        http://www.html-indexer.com/ 

HTML Indexer 3, still the easiest way to create and maintain real 
back-of-the-book indexes for web sites and other HTML documents.

Now including options for HTML Help and JavaHelp indexes, too!

 

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