Illuminations
In this issue:
- Hacking the DITA Open Toolkit
- Take our new survey
- DITA 101—Why the Buzz?
- DocTrain West is around the corner
- 2009 training calendar
- The conversation continues at Palimpsest
Hacking the DITA Open Toolkit
The DITA Open Toolkit is a useful tool for converting your DITA structured content into HTML and PDF files, but the formatting for both deliverables is basic, at best. Scriptorium's latest technical reference, Hacking the DITA Open Toolkit, explains how to modify the DITA OT and create attractive HTML output. (Many of the same principles can also be applied to create PDF using XSL-FO.)
This reference illustrates quick changes (hacks) to the DITA OT, but it also describes strategies for making more robust and easily distributed implementations. Take a peek at the table of contents.
Available for $20 as a 19-page PDF download. Order today!
Take our new survey
Admit it! You've always wanted to know about other companies' experiences with planning and implementing XML workflows, or you've wanted to share your own. Now is your chance! Take our new survey on structured authoring, and we will send you a report on the results for free in April.
We are also going to give a $50 amazon.com gift certificate to two randomly selected participants who provide contact information. The deadline for responses is March 1, 2009.
Take the survey now.
If you do not participate in the survey but are interested in the results, the report will be available from Scriptorium for $200.
DITA 101—Why the Buzz?
Time is running out to sign up for DITA 101—Why the Buzz?, a free webinar offered by Scriptorium and Madcap on February 5.
This webinar is presented by Scriptorium founder and president, Sarah O'Keefe, and gives an introductory look at the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA), DITA concepts, business cases, and the best scenarios for using DITA.
Register now before all the seats are gone.
DocTrain West is around the corner
DocTrain West is March 17–20 in sunny Palm Springs, CA. If you are interested in XML technologies and what they can do for technical communicators, don't miss Sarah O'Keefe's presentations, What Gutenberg can teach us about XML and Demystifying DITA to PDF Publishing.
Sarah will be in the exhibit hall when she's not in sessions. Stop by to talk about anything and everything to do with technical documentation, pick up a copy of one of Scriptorium's white papers, and even get some free chocolate.
If you are attending and would like to speak with us, drop us a line, and we'll schedule a meeting.
2009 training calendar
We have posted our class schedules through June of 2009.
Make the most of XML, DITA, and XSL to improve your publishing workflow. Register for one of our upcoming classes and stay ahead of the curve:
- February 17–20
Introduction to DITA and XMetaL - April 27–30
XML and Structured Authoring - May 11–15
XSL in Publishing - May 18–21
Introduction to DITA and XMetaL
Scriptorium also offers a full range of FrameMaker courses on the unstructured and structured interfaces.
For information about private on-site or web-based training, see our training options page. If you have any questions, contact training@scriptorium.com or call 919-481-2701.
The conversation continues at Palimpsest
Our blog, Palimpsest, is updated several times a week and documents everything from trends in technical publishing to the occasional bit of humor. If you've missed out on the conversation, take a moment to peruse these recent posts:
- Importing comments into FrameMaker 9 documents
FrameMaker 9 can import notes and comments from PDF files into FrameMaker documents. Sheila Loring explores this new feature and finds out if it's really as useful as it sounds. - Personality types and tech writing
Alan Pringle comments on how different personality types fit in the technical writing world and how that information can help you manage your technical communications team. - DITAlini and Chickpeas
DITA has permeated almost every corner of technical communications, including Simon Bate's kitchen. Is it specialized? Does the recipe call for the DITA-OT? Read and find out. - Mechanical versus digital publishing
New communication technologies are leaving the book behind and putting great quantities of information on wikis, in blogs, and even on mobile devices. Sarah O'Keefe explores the brave new world ahead as mechanical publishing gives way to digital.
Comments? Questions?
We welcome your suggestions for newsletter topics. Drop us a line at comments@scriptorium.com.
If you know colleagues who could benefit from our services, please let them know about us. They can also contact info@scriptorium.com.