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1.) I think this greatly depends on how much experience you have with CSS. The basic concepts are very similar to RoboHelp. As I had set up a CSS-based web design, I could start to work efficiently with Flare almost immediately. The most difficult part had been to find out which CSS properties can be used for my output format and how exactly a property will affect the output. Also the concept of master pages (now page layouts), which was new to me. I had the advantage that I started with Flare at a new company, so I did not have to migrate all my previous projects. Flare offers a RoboHelp import, but I can imagine it will take some time.
For me, Flare is way better than RoboHelp (at least 3 years ago), especially concerning the automated outputs and design/layout options (I always needed to manually edit the print output with RoboHelp, because of bad pagebreaks.) The product is very stable and user-friendly. The possibility to work in a team with Microsoft Foundation Server Source Control is awesome. So far, I never had a severe problem with no workarounds with Flare.
I recommend to buy Capture and Analyzer as well. The possibilities to translate screenshot captions and to use variables on screenshots are excellent. (I started with Snagit, but switched to Capture recently.)
2.) I did a Flare Basics/Intermediate Training provided by a local Flare dealer and later on an Advanced training. The training was very good, but covered only the basics (even the Advanced one). I would have liked more in-depth knowledge about the layout/design and advanced features, but was able to find out most things myself with the help of the Flare Help and Forum.
I have only the Bronze maintenance plan. The Flare support has generally a very good response time concerning bug reports and fixing.
Best regards, Christine
> -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht--
> Von: techwr-l-bounces+christine -dot- leisgen=gmgcolor -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+christine -dot- leisgen=gmgcolor -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] Im
> Auftrag von Melissa Nelson
> Gesendet: Freitag, 6. August 2010 20:35
> An: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Betreff: Flare questions
>
>
> HI All,
>
> First of all, thanks to everyone who answered my earlier questions about Flare
> and I am excited to report that my company is purchasing Flare, to build our
> new Knowledge Base. I have a couple more questions for any experienced Flare
> users.
>
> 1- If I have never used Flare, but have used Robohelp and Help and Manual and
> feel pretty comfortable with my expertise in both of those tools, how long do
> you think I will need to get the hang of Flare? I am trying to budget training
> time into my project plan. I know there is a learning curve to Flare, but if I
> was able to quickly pick up H&M and RoboHelp..should I also be able to quickly
> pick up Flare?
>
> 2- What types of training did you use to learn Flare? Any experience with the
> training that MadCap offers?
>
> 2- Does anyone have experience with the MadCap support and their maintenance
> plans? Is it worth paying the extra money for the unlimited inquiries feature?
> It is an extra $449 to get the unlimited inquiries? Both plans have unlimited
> email support..how are they at answering emails?
>
> 3- How would you rate Flare's ability to convert Word Docs into Online Help as
> compared to RoboHelp and H&M?
>
>
>
> Any help, would be greatly appreciated.
>
>
> Thanks again for all the earlier suggestions!
>
> Melissa
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>
> Gain access to everything you need to create and publish information
> through multiple channels. Your choice of authoring (and import)
> formats with virtually any output. Try Doc-To-Help free for 30-days.
>http://www.doctohelp.com/
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> LavaCon 2010 in San Diego Sept 29 - Oct 2 is now open for registration.
> Use referral code TECHWR-L for $50 off conference tuition!
> See program at: http://lavacon.org/
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Gain access to everything you need to create and publish information
through multiple channels. Your choice of authoring (and import)
formats with virtually any output. Try Doc-To-Help free for 30-days. http://www.doctohelp.com/
LavaCon 2010 in San Diego Sept 29 - Oct 2 is now open for registration.
Use referral code TECHWR-L for $50 off conference tuition!
See program at: http://lavacon.org/
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