I'm beginning to wonder if the wiki tool will be robust enough to support our needs. I'm disappointed that there is no history function so that we can look at old versions. But I'm bothered even more by how clumsy the navigation and file management tools are.
One partial solution (at least to the navigation issue) is to create compiled Help. This is a system that can take dozens (or thousands) of web pages (and their referenced files such as graphics or video/sound clips)Â and compile them into a single compressed file that can be accessed from a desktop or over a network.That would still leave us with a serious file management problem (echos of ATC 04), but at least the finished product would be compact and potentially easy to use.
I'm also taking the iniative to create the following positions in the class. Please choose one role and proceed into the Documentation Plan (see the wiki) accordingly:
Writing Team
Areas of Responsibility:
Tutorials writing leader: leads class discussion on number and scope of tutorials, assigns tutorials to various members, tracks progress.
Procedures writing leader: leads class discussion on number and scope of procedure topics, assigns procedures to various members, tracks progress.
Writing Style leader: leads class discussion on style guide issues, records and gradually compiles style guide (or at least list of style do’s and don’ts)
Design & Navigation leader: leads class discussion on individual page layout and overall organization of Help system. Works with Tutorial and procedure leaders to create site-map.
Copy Editing & Graphics leader: leads class discussion on developing peer editing and individual editing practices. Assigns editors and tracks progress. Also works with Writing Style Manager to develop standards for screen shots and other graphics, then checks all topics for compliance.
Tools and Testing leader: leads class discussion on authoring tools, file management, and similar issues. Responsible for overseeing final testing and corrections of all links/functionality.
Use your blogs as the ongoing repository of information for your area of expertise. Be sure to check other blogs VERY frequently for updates.