TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I have to develop manuals that will be kept online. Users will have
the
option to read them online, or if they prefer, print their own hard
copies
(my boss wants out of the publishing business). So the goal is
manuals
that look good either way.
We are struggling with the same dilemma. I've used old versions of RoboHelp
in the past for online documents and have been very satisfied with the
results. We've just obtained RoboHelp 6.0 and I'm trying to figure out if
any of the new features will make it easier for users who want to print the
Help file and use it as hard copy documentation. If not, we are considering
providing all of our customers with the online documentation as part of the
product, and (for a small additional fee) providing traditionally formatted
hard copy manuals for those customers who request it. RoboHelp does
something similar. They provide a Help file but also include a postcard
that you can return to them if you also want printed documentation.
I hope that others with other opinions will also respond to these posts as I
need to make a decision within the next few weeks.
Sharon Key
Documentation Specialist
Data Research Associates
(standard disclaimer)
