Re: RE: Why should a tech writer learn XML?

Subject: Re: RE: Why should a tech writer learn XML?
From: "Chuck Martin" <cm -at- writeforyou -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2004 11:19:05 -0700


>"John Posada" <JPosada -at- isogon -dot- com> wrote in message news:235827 -at- techwr-l -dot- -dot- -dot-
>
>>He laughed and said, "I've done a lot of programming
>>by just tweaking an example until it works, without
>>ever having to learn the concepts!"
>
>That resembles programming as much as doing a Search and Replace
>resembles technical writing.

I disagree. I've worked with many very good programmers who use examples in
the docs as stepping stones to the solutions they are developing. If the
fundamental code is already written and optimized, it's a waste of time to
reinvent the wheel. It's why "add as many examples as you can, and when you
think you have enough, add more" is one mantra for developer docs.

That said, the programmers I've worked with also knew the concepts well
enough to know what examples would have the best chance of fitting the
solutions they were creating.

--
--
Chuck Martin
User Assistance & Experience Engineer
twriter "at" sonic "dot" net www.writeforyou.com

"I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. The day
may come when the courage of Men fail, when we forsake our friends and
break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day! This day, we fight!"
- Aragorn

"All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given you."
- Gandalf



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