TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Isn't the purpose of an index to provide synonyms? 20 people reading documentation will think of 20 different words for the same concept when they consult the index. (Or am I missing the point?)
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Downing, David [SMTP:DavidDowning -at- users -dot- com]
> Sent: Monday, August 04, 2003 9:09 AM
> To: TECHWR-L
> Subject: RE: Indexing style refs
>
>
> Well, I have a suggestion inspired by my former days as a technical services librarian. I suggest you put together what they call a "controlled vocabulary." This is a list of terms that serves as an authority. Anyone constructing an index must used only terms on this list. The list will no-doubt be updated often, but there should be a list in existence at all times. This will prevent 20 different people from using 20 different synonymous terms for the same concept.
>
>