Action calling action

[AP_AW]

Does Captivate 9 allow you to call and action from an action? The forum responses say it can't be done in Captivate 7 and below and I was wondering if today it can be done in 9.

[Paul Wilson CTDP]

If I'm not mistaken, Infosemantics Cp Extra widget can do this. Rod Ward if you see this can you weigh in on this?

[RodWard]

Yes it can.  But only if you are on Cp9 and only if you are publishing to HTML5.

[RodWard]

For those of you that would like more information about how this can be done using CpExtra, check out this page on the CpExtra Help:

Events and Actions | Infosemantics Pty Ltd

[AP_AW]

The only issue I have with your widget is that I'm typically required to give the source code for any project I build to the client. This means that I'll need to:

- explain why it can't run correctly on their system

- purchase a license for them for the widget (and if it'll be distributed to multiple developers within their company then I guess I'd need to get multiple licenses)

- take responsibility for its correct installation on their system

- take responsibility for training them in its proper use (as its not a part of the standard install).

[RodWard]

It's your choice what you do.

But I don't understand why you think the widget won't run correctly on their system.  If their system already runs Captivate 9 and can play HTML5 output then it will work.

Yes a license is required by each separate developer using the widget, but if YOU have a license, you can use the widget as many times as you want in as many projects as you want that are seen by any number of end users.

This widget is not difficult to insert into a Captivate project.  It's really no more difficult than inserting an image.  (Only more advanced developers might want to take advantage of the headless-loading feature that removes the need to insert the widget in each project because it automatically gets added.)

If you don't want to take responsibility for training other developers in how to use the widget, then just tell them to either read the comprehensive HELP files free online, or else buy the video tutorials that are available.  Then they can teach themselves.  That's what all the other CpExtra users are doing.

[AP_AW]

If the client wants to use the source files I give them then need to buy a license for the widget as well. I doubt I should say "By the way I used this great widget in your project and now you have to buy a license for it."

I'm not saying it won't run correctly but if it doesn't because, say, they mis-installed it then it would probably be my responsibility to address because I was the one that "made" them to get it.

No, it cannot work that way where I give them the source files and then I tell them that they need to train themselves on the widget. My gosh I can imagine the phone call I'd get if I told them to pay to watch some videos on how to use a widget I "made" them buy.

I guess it could work if they gave me approval to use the widget beforehand but certainly not after the fact.

[RodWard]

Like I said, if all of this is too hard, then by all means don't do it.  Some clients only want easy solutions but not ones that are more difficult to work with.

But in principle, if the client had a Captivate developer on board and wanted them to edit or update your CPTX files but didn't have a license of Captivate, then they would need to buy a license for Captivate.  Our widget is no different.

If the client is not willing to accept a solution on those terms then your choice is clear.

[AP_AW]

Of course the client has Captivate. They hired me to build them a project but if, when I hand it to them, I tell them to buy a widget and pay for video training, it ain't gonna fly (and I probably won't get any more work from them). I need to explain it beforehand.

[RodWard]

I think we both understand each other here and we're just going round in circles.

Your client either wants the solution and is willing to live with the costs, or they are don't.  As their current developer and someone they trust, you're in the best position to offer solutions you are aware of and explain all the pros and cons.

If you don't think they should go for this particular solution, don't recommend it.  End of story.

[AP_AW]

Well I've never actually used CpExtra so I can't recommend it (though many people on the forum do).

Anyhow thanks for the advice

[Paul Wilson CTDP]

Sorry I suggested a third party solution. If Cp Extra won't work for you, my suggestion then is to write a third advanced action that is an amalgamation of the first two advanced actions.