The power of complexity in visual communication
One of the axioms of technical communication is to keep things simple. But sometimes, complex communication is the better alternative.
DITA for presentations, aka how to avoid PowerPoint
After a number of years using PowerPoint and OpenOffice/LibreOffice Impress to create slide decks, I’ve grown frustrated with the enforced separation of information in PowerPoint-like products.
Dodging the dragons of content strategy
Some patterns are beginning to emerge as we apply content strategy to technical information.
Gone with the width: what’s the optimal length for a line of text?
When it comes to a line of text, how long is too long? And do the rules for text column width change when content is rendered on different devices?
2012 tekom thoughts
Some thoughts on technical communication, content strategy, and the state of the industry at tekom/tcworld 2012.
Perils of DITA publishing, part 8: PDF Acrobatics, revisited
A few weeks ago, I described some of the issues we faced in producing a PDF of Content Strategy 101 from DITA sources. Time and space didn’t permit me to finish the list of changes out. Now I can.
Perils of DITA publishing, part 7: the displeasures of distributing ebooks
In which we uncover some unpleasant realities about distributing ebook editions.
Perils of DITA publishing, part 6: EPUB and Kindle
In which we jump through flaming hoops for EPUB and Kindle.
Perils of DITA publishing, part 4: PDF acrobatics
In which we bend PDF publishing to our will. Eventually.
Stairway to Həll
We’ve been in our “new” offices in Durham for about a year now. Overall, I’m quite happy to be here, nice building, good restaurants for lunch, lock on the door to keep sales people out…all those things.
