Real World XML

We’ve all heard that XML is the wave of the future for technical writers, but what exactly does that mean? What are the reasons for the move to XML and how will our jobs change? Are we going to have to learn how to code? Is writing for XML different from writing using our other tools?

This presentation offers a real-world discussion of XML and its impact on the average technical writer. It is not a session that just describes XML, it also provides examples of XML documentation and describes the thought process changes a writer must make in order to be successful in working with XML documentation. Topics covered will include:

A Frame of Reference

Is XML really a new concept for technical writers? How is it similar to what we’ve done before and what we’re doing now? We will review technologies used by writers over the last 15 to 20 years, and describe how writers can leverage their existing skill set as they learn to work with XML.

Basic Concepts: XML/XSL/DTDs/XSLT/Content Management

What do these acronyms mean to technical writers? This section will show actual examples of XML concepts in action, with demonstrations and with clear explanations of how each concept relates to the other. The format for this section will involve explaining a concept, and then giving the audience the opportunity to interact with that concept, by both answering questions asked by the presenters, and by using worksheets.

In addition, we will explore both high and low-end editors used for writing in XML. This section will provide technical writers with the knowledge and information they need to be able to 'speak intelligently' about XML-based solutions, and will be able to assist in choosing the right XML solution and tools.

Benefits of XML-based Documentation Systems

What are the benefits of XML-based documentation systems, not only to the enterprise, but to the writer and audience as well? This section will discuss benefits, such as reduced localization costs, increased accuracy of content, and decreased maintenance costs. By the end of this section, a technical writer will be able to help their management determine if an XML-based solution is right for them.

Differences Between Writing for “Books” versus Writing for XML

How is writing for XML-based systems different than writing a book in FrameMaker? We’ll discuss how a technical writer approaches writing content geared for multiple books and multiple media differently than they would writing a single book. This section will use real-life examples to demonstrate the differences in writing approaches by examining content that has been written using XML and more traditional content.

Debunking the Myths

Over the past few years, many myths have developed regarding XML - you can’t write one topic for both print and web; you have to be a programmer to use XML; you can’t use FrameMaker. This section addresses each of those myths. This session will allow the audience to present some of their own 'myths' as well, and by the end, the audience should have a clear answer to each.