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Subject:Re: Tracking document versions... From:Sherri Hall <shall -at- HILCO -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 19 Dec 1994 12:39:30 CST
> My first thought is that it isn't necessary. Instead, I can just
> have one directory of "last version" docs (with a tape backup and
> hard copies), and then one directory with working docs.
> recording numerous small changes (for example, a single re-worded
> sentence) seems like overkill.
I used to think so also. But two things have happened during the past
year that's changed my mind. First, our manuals are being
translated into French. Hiring a contract translator is VERY expensive.
The fewer words he/she has to translate the better. So, we provide
a "difference" file which shows what's changed between two versions
of documentation. The translator then translates just the added or
reworded stuff. Saves a lot of money.
Second, we're now in the process of ISO certification which, as we had
the guidelines interpreted for us, means you have to track all changes,
no matter how small, for quality reasons.
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Sherri Hall, Product Manager-Documentation Email: shall -at- hilco -dot- com
"And unto us a child is born . . . Merry Christmas!"
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