Structured Basics for a Beginner

Report · Feb 04, 2011

I apologize in advance if this post rehashes a previous thread or topic.

My shop has been working with unstructured Framemaker for several years, but recent developments require us to do two things:

1. Convert old documents from unstructured to structured.

2. Create new structured documents from scratch.

I have a very basic understanding of HTML and XML, but I find all of the official and unofficial help files for working with structured documents incomprehensible. Nothing appears to start at the beginning and step forward in logical progression to build a sound grasp of fundamentals.

Do resources exist for people like me who have never worked in structured documents and have only a basic understanding of XML?

Thank you for your time and attention.

Best,

JMW

Report · Feb 05, 2011

JMW,

If you are in charge of handling the technical aspects of structured authoring and publishing be prepared to get a more than basic understanding of XML etc. It might be a good idea to work with experienced folks to avoid pitfalls.

Unfortunately, currently the FrameMaker Developer Center at adobe.com is not really up-to-date regarding manuals etc. Some links:

http://rjacquez.com/introducing-the-structured-authoring-xml-and-dita-show-on-adobe-tv/

and the two main manuals describing possibly more than you expected to read (those are FM8 branded books, but there is no important difference to FM9 or FM10):

FrameMaker Structure Application Developer’s Guide

FrameMaker Structure Application Developer’s Reference

- Michael

Report · Feb 07, 2011

FYI,

Those two structured applications guides that Michael mentions HAVE been updated to FrameMaker 9. I do not have the links, but you can browse the Adobe support site to find them.

Van

Report · Feb 09, 2011

I think this is one of the areas where “teach yourself” or “pick it up as you go along” doesn’t work. At least, not in my case although, like you, I had some notions of XML and quite a good understanding of HTML.

I’d recommend training for you and, initially at least, people who know what they’re doing to set things up.

Sorry if it’s not what you hoped to hear, but it’s an answer based on my own experience.