Hypertext Development/Organization Query

Subject: Hypertext Development/Organization Query
From: Debbie Molis <dmolis -at- EROLS -dot- COM>
Date: Tue, 6 May 1997 19:09:40 +0000

Alexander wrote:
> where's the problem (besides lots of work)? You are doing hypertext. You can
> do hypertext without a hierarchical structure. Or with several hierarchical
> structures at the same time.

I have to respectfully disagree.

Regardless of whether it's Online Books or Help or Web Help, the
organization of the document is critical. Hypertext doesn't mean that
you can forget about developing a clear, hierarchical organization.

In addition, if the organization is not well done, the writing itself
may be sloppy.

Or maybe I misunderstood the intent of Alexander's statement.

As for the primary question in this thread, I guess it depends how the
audience will use the reference guide to determine whether it should be
alphabetical or task-oriented.

Debbie Molis
Technical Writer
dmolis -at- erols -dot- com

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