Re: Where's the beginning? (was RE: When to Spell Out Acronyms)

[Al Geist <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>]

   [1]mlist -at- safenet-inc -dot- com wrote:

     <>So, where's the beginning of Help?
     I _could_ spell out acronyms in hidden-til-you-click dynamic html
     expanding or drop-down text... but since a person can enter Help
     at any point, that would mean putting expansions behind (under? around?)
     virtually every occurrence of an acronym. That would make my Help
     pages even patchier than they are now. Eek!
     As well, I already make liberal use of expanding or drop-down text
     for asides, non-essential examples, good-to-know stuff, etc.

   I've used Geoff's suggestion of using a glossary to keep the clutter from
   taking over a Help page.  Linking every acronym to a definition page is
   acceptable for smaller sites, or sites without a lot of acronyms, but the
   glossary may be the only answer for larger sites stuff with them.  Not
   everyone will see or use the glossary link, but not every horse can be led
   to water either.  It's a solution that is not perfect, but may work the
   best.
   Al

   --

   Al Geist
   Technical Writing, Online Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design, Award
   Winning Videos, Professional Photography
   Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140

   Cell: 802-578-3964
   E-mail: [2]al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com 
   URL: [3]www.geistassociates.com (online portfolio/resume)

   See also:
   URL: [4]www.geistimages.com (fine art prints for home for office, and note
   cards for all occasions)
   "When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether to
   answer "Present" or "Not guilty.""
                            Theodore Roosevelt

References

   1. mailto:mlist -at- safenet-inc -dot- com
   2. mailto:al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com
   3. http://www.geistassociates.com/
   4. http://www.geistimages.com/
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