Naming template styles

[Nancy Allison <maker -at- verizon -dot- net>]

Hi, everyone. I'm working with a large and exuberant template that was created before I got here. I notice that the creator has named almost every style after its font characteristics. Let's say the document has a header that is used only for Summary sections, and it is not to be included in the TOC, so you don't want to assign the characteristics to one of the Heading styles.

I would assign the characteristics -- say, Verdana 14 pt Bold -- to a style and call it "Summary." That way, if I ever decide to reformat all the Summary headings, I can edit the style once and have the effect ripple.

However, in this template, the style is called "Verdana 14 pt Bold." If this style is applied *only* to the Summary headings, and if I wanted to change the Summary format to Verdana 16 pt Bold, then I guess I could do a universal Search & Replace -- find every instance of the style "Verdana 14 pt bold" and replace it with the style "Verdana 16 pt. Bold."

But, if "Verdana 14 pt. Bold" has been applied to other pieces of text, I can't do the substitution automatically, but must examine each instance manually before applying the new style.

This, in a nutshell, is why I have always named styles after their intended target, rather than after their attributes. But, before I question it at this place of business, I'd love to know what you do, and what your reasons are. I wouldn't be surprised if there are equally good arguments for doing it the other way.

What principle do you adhere to when you name template styles?

Thanks.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or 
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007 
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more.
http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList

True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com

---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- 

To unsubscribe send a blank email to 
techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/archive%40web.techwr-l.com


To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com

Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-  Visit
http://www.techwr-l.com/ for more resources and info.