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I am working on a document that consists of a series of chapters that are related, but that emphatically need not be read sequentially. The document is not a reference, it's really quite conceptual. But it is simply not necessary for the reader to read it in order, and, in fact, I want the reader to feel "invited" to dip into the document more or less at random.
When I began work on this document, I just pulled up my standard book template, which puts the chapter number on the top right of the first page of each chapter, just over the chapter title. But, now, as I look at the nearly-completed chapters, the sequentiality of those chapter numbers is starting to bug me.
I don't want my readers to feel that the sequence of chapters is in any way meaningful.
So, I'm thinking of removing the chapter number from each chapter. I would then need to sequentially number the pages of the document rather than start each chapter with page 1. And, of course, then I have to change the formatting of the Index and TOC. Not a lot of work, but work, just to be rid of chapter numbers.
What do you guys think? Does the chapter number serve a useful purpose?
Thanks In Advance for your thoughts.
--Emily
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~ Emily Berk ~
On the web at www.armadillosoft.com *** Armadillo Associates, Inc. ~
~ Project management, developer relations and ~
extremely-technical technical documentation that developers find useful.~
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