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.
I could see us leaving hard copy behind when the children
raised on computers are the majority of the work force.
That's how long away? 20 years or so? I certainly hope
I will be retired or close to it by then, so I will continue to
plan on hard copy.
There are so many advantages to on-line, however, that I
do emphasize on-line delivery. Our documentation is
constantly being updated. Given that many of our customers
are international and do not want to wait for the printing
and shipping time (or pay for it either) we utilize on-line
delivery in every way possible. We pdf most of our
documentation and provide it on a website or by email. Most
customers download it then print it off. It works for them,
therefore it works.
I have worked on other projects where this was unacceptable
delivery. Just pdfing a document would never work for a
tutorial since it needs to have a logical flow with interaction
(to keep a user's interest as well as teach). On-line help,
which acts as a reference, needs a great index with lots
of cross-referencing.
How you format an on-line document ALL depends on your
purpose and your customers. I do believe we will have more
options in the future, but the concept will never change.
Write and design for your audience with your purpose in
mind.
Melonie R. Holliman
Technical Writer
CPD Marketing
Advanced Micro Devices
