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Monday, 5 April 2004

Participative Help Design

Posted on 11:08 by Unknown

Participative Help Design



I used a weblog script to create online help for -uh- using weblogs. I used a plugin to pull help topics as alphabetical links. The script has in-built search. So, there, I had an index and a search. And I left the 'Comments' feature alone. And guess what, I had users commenting on individual topics, which resulted in fine tuning the help and making it user-centered.

So, I conclude that user-feedback even after the documentation is released is invaluable and is much more relevant; users give feedback based on how they use the Help system. I'd say it is a nice way to fill gaps that you may have overseen during your project. I am talking from experience!

I used Nucleus: http://nucleuscms.org. People ask me why not MovableType; simple, it is not open-source like Nucleus. So, experiment with blogs and tell me if you can, how it helped you.

write to me: Suman@sumankumar.com
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Friday, 2 April 2004

3rd STC Chennai Meet this sunday.

Posted on 01:50 by Unknown
3rd STC Chennai Knowledge Sharing Session this sunday, April 4th.



This month's knowledge sharing session will be held this coming sunday, april 4th at Cognizant's office at 10:00 a.m. Please do spread the word around.



Day & Date : Sunday, April 4, 2004

Time : 10 to 11 a.m

Venue : Cognizant Technology Services (CTS), 3rd Floor, Conference Room, Whites Road, Royapettah.

Contact Person : Kiruba Shankar . phone : 52133619 (res) , 52150505 (off)

RSVP : kiruba @ kiruba.com

Door Charge : Rs.20 ( Snacks will be served )



We are planning to get a video camera along so we can record the presentations and discussions.
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Tuesday, 16 March 2004

Localization and Internationalization

Posted on 15:30 by Unknown

Localization and Internationalization



Internationalization: Writing in a neutral, simple language so that the document can be translated to other languages without much trouble. There are standards for it like the The European Association of Aerospace Industries (AECMA) Simplified English. The AECMA Simplified English (SE) dictionary is defined in the AECMA standard PSC-85-16598 developed by the aerospace industry.



Localization: The actual process of translation.



At least, that's what I have understood.



Now you know why you have to keep it simple when you write that manual, don't you?



Important note: Robohelp gives a lot of trouble in translations. That's what I have heard at least.



write to me: Suman@sumankumar.com
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Monday, 8 March 2004

In Denver

Posted on 07:24 by Unknown
Guys I am in Denver. So updates will be erratic. I should be back in India around 18th of March. Until then, bye!

Suman

write to me: Suman@sumankumar.com
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Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Posted on 16:31 by Unknown
Next STC Chennai Meeting On March 7 : This will be the second knowledge sharing session. The first meeting was a wonderful success and we hope the second one will be even better. Take a note of the details..

Day & Date : Sunday, March 7, 2004

Time : 10 to 11 a.m

Venue : Cognizant Technology Services (CTS), 3rd Floor, Conference Room, Whites Road, Royapettah.

Contact Person : Kiruba Shankar . phone : 52133619 (res)

RSVP : kiruba @ kiruba.com

The theme of the meet is "Bring a tech writing friend".
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Tuesday, 27 January 2004

Posted on 21:28 by Unknown

I am engaged



I got engaged to Chitra on 25 Jan 2004. I was busy traveling and making arrangements. The other news is that I have published my first novel; visit http://sunnu.blogspot.com to read 10 free chapters. If you like what you read go right ahead and buy the novel at http://cafeshops.com/sunnu.

I will resume posting on this blog tomorrow; let me find a nice topic. Thanks people.

write to me: Suman@sumankumar.com
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Friday, 16 January 2004

Posted on 00:12 by Unknown
Chennai Tech Writers Mixer on Jan 25 : Calling all Tech Writers in Chennai for an informal Mixer on Jan 25th. It's a great opportunity to network with our fellow tech writers from different companies in Chennai.



The Mixer aims to be a nice watering hole for chennai tech writers to meet up and share their experiences and knowledge in an informal atmosphere.



Here are the things to remember.

Day & Date : Sunday, Jan 25th 2004.

Time : 4:30 p.m

Venue : Amethyst cafe. ( It's a really cool place to hang out )

Bill : We just go dutch on the snacks and drinks.

Directions : Take the lane next to Hotel Saravana Bhavan on Peter's Road, Royapettah. Go down the lane for about 100 meters and you'll find Amethyst on the right.

Contact : You can mail Kiruba Shankar at Kiruba @ Kiruba.com or call his residence at 52133619 after 7:00 p.m



Please do spread the work to your tech writing friends in Chennai. Thanks in advance.
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