Article:		Overcoming Objections to XML-based Authoring Systems
Subject:		XML based Authoring Systems
Date:		2001-10-26 11:42:51
From:		Elayne Sandahl
Response to: XML based Authoring Systems
Martin, I am a help developer under contract to the Canadian Department of National Defence. Your question raises issues that I face when using XML to create text elements used in online help. And the problem is that the instant text becomes context-sensitive, it is not re-usable. For example, the text used as part of a corporate policy ("The Company shall provide $250 for fitness activity per employee. See Ref 1.1.a")can also be used in a marketing brochure or on a web site for a career fair, however, the tone is different. The context is sensitive. The only suggestion I have would be to categorize or class your text elements to a lesser degree of refinment, then within that class (e.g. fitness), create elements for each subject (FitnessCorpPol, Fitness, FitnessEmployeeBenefit), with a standard framework for the different contexts required. I am trying to find someone who has successfully used XML to create online help systems, including links, search and index capabilities. Regards, Elayne Sandahl The Fiddlehead Technology Group

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