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> Is it usual to consider a template the only way to create
> documents of the same type, allowing the documentor no freedom
> depending on the individual document?
In my experience, the template is Not To Be Overridden. But it depends on
why the template was created, and what you're doing with the documents
created with it. The following are some organizations' common reasons why
the template shouldn't be changed/ignored/overridden:
* Templates ensure consistent use & naming of styles. This is critical if
your organization moves documents from format to format (e.g., Word->Frame,
Frame->HTML, etc.)...overridden or new styles work strangely or not at all.
* Templates help curb writers' urge to be creative with layout, which can be
a good thing if the writers are no design geniuses. This is important if the
docs are going public with a minimum of editing or desktop publishing.
* Templates help flatten the learning curve between authors and revisions.
If a document will be updated frequently, especially by one or more writers,
using the template consistently will prevent those stunned moments of "how
the heck did they get it to do that?"
* Templates move the writers' focus away from design and back to content. A
strict standard can save your organization hours of font-f0ndling time, if
the writers would otherwise be so inclined.
* Templates make the docs look consistent. This is particularly nice when
users will frequently be jumping from document to document, such as in a
knowledge base...having the docs all look the same prevents confusion &
looks more professional.
If these aren't concerns for your organization -- and more importantly,
won't be for the forseeable future (re-applying templates and fixing
problems across every doc is not fun) -- then by all means, change away.
:-)
Hope that helps,
-Sarah
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