Wiki type of Manual

Hi Eugene...

 Yes, it's possible and we've even thought about that kind of thing a bit. Perhaps we just don't know enough about how to get there from where we are now, as it seems like it would be a huge undertaking. We currently author in FrameMaker as that gives the best ability to generate large complex documents with cross-referenced links and so on. The requirement that many companies/sites have of a printed document won't let us leave this primary source right now. How to get that content into the form of a Wiki is what challenges me.

 I've also been looking at some other software that would allow user comments to shared with other users via a help system or web-based documentation.

The short-term piece of information would be if any of our forum readers out there know of some good tools to help convert content into generic wiki formatting. The actual wiki side of things is actually easier.

In the meantime, I would encourage you to email me directly (straut at etcconnect.com, or our dept. email of: techcomm at etcconnect.com) about what other procedures and information you couldn't find or think needs to be added. We are working on updates for v1.4 right now and it would be an excellent time to try and incorporate your suggestions. I make no promises about getting to everything, but I'd like to hear what you have to say.

Thanks for the comment and I hope to hear more from you soon!
-Steve

I agree with Eugene that a wiki type manual would be a GREAT...a HUGE timesaver and a wonderful resource!  But I can sympathize with Steve as it would be a monumental undertaking.

 Here is hoping that something like this can be worked out.  Thanks!

Pat
 

Hi,

Thanks for your response, I figured it is a tricky undertaking.  Allowing it to exist entirely on line, with no real print ability, might mean it could come alive sooner and then get moved over to a more print friendly environment later.  It also seems like a great deal of inter-manual linking would be great, but again, if it keeps it out of reach of reality, then I would give that up as well.  Most search engines, both if set up internally or even externally, will sift through html anyway, so you end up with a good index with just a search.  We often run rehearsels with the manual open in adobe reader so that a search for content can be done on the fly.

 Mediawiki looks tough.
 

Sincerely, 

I have to tell you... this has sparked the conversation again here at ETC. While I don't know exactly what's possible yet, I have found a few leads out there on how to make this go easier.

 That brings me to the next question... What smaller/shorter/simpler document would like us to try this out on? (assuming the other necessary stars align in order to make this happen) I really don't see the 350+ page Eos or Ion manuals being the first thing we try. But I don't want to waste my time with something that nobody cares about right now either.

And for simplicity of use, configuration and maturity... I've been partial to PmWiki in some of the messing around I've done in my home life. I'll take a look at Mediawiki as well. I've heard other good bits about it before.

Again... key question: What smaller/shorter/simpler document would like us to try this out on?

 
Let me know what you all have to say.

-Steve
 

Thanks Steve!  That's Great!

 How about the Universal Fader Wings...it seems like everybody uses those!

Pat
 

Hey all...

This thread actually caused us to add a new forum to the group.

"Documentation and Training" now has its own forum and "Documentation" under that.

I've moved (and quoted) this thread there and hope to continue the discussion over there.

Thanks

-Steve