Choosing an XML Schema

DocBook and DITA both have their places. They're both excellent for single sourcing. DocBook is better for what I call monolithic single sourcing, while DITA is better suited for discrete single sourcing.

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2008). Articles>Information Design>DocBook>DITA

Cleaning Your Web Pages with HTML Tidy

A detailed article on using the HTML Tidy utility to clear up problems in an HTML file.

Nesbitt, Scott. InformIT (2004). Articles>Web Design>HTML>Software

Communications from DMN

A weekly podcast for technical writers by a company called DMN Communications.

Davis, Aaron and Scott Nesbitt. DMN Communications. Resources>TC>Documentation>Podcasts

Creating Presentations with OperaShow

An article discussing how to use the Opera Web browser as a presentation tool.

Nesbitt, Scott. InformIT (2004). Articles>Presentations>Software

Creating Professional Documentation with Linux Tools

While Linux lacks standard Windows tools such as FrameMaker, RoboHelp, and WebWorks Publisher, it's still a viable environment for technical writers. Linux users can take advantage of a number of documentation tools, including both free or open source software (FOSS) and proprietary software. All of them give technical writers the ability to author and publish professional documentation.

Nesbitt, Scott. Linux.com (2006). Articles>Documentation>Technical Writing>Linux

Using DocBook to Generate WebHelp

A brief tutorial on creating cross-platform WebHelp (similar to that produced by RoboHelp) using DocBook.

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2004). Articles>Documentation>Help>DocBook

DocBook: An Introduction for Technical Writers  

A set of slides that gives a brief introduction to DocBook and why it is useful for technical writers. Also available in PDF format.

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2002). Presentations>Documentation>Standards>DocBook

An Introduction to DITA

Writing, compiling, and maintaining documentation is a necessary evil. While moving to DITA might not improve the quality of your documentation, it can streamline the process of creating and managing those documents.

Nesbitt, Scott. InformIT (2006). Articles>Documentation>XML>DITA

Introduction to JavaHelp  

An introduction to using Sun's JavaHelp system for creating online Help.

Nesbitt, Scott. ScottNesbitt.net (2004). Articles>Documentation>Help

Moving to DocBook  

DocBook is a powerful tool for creating and maintaining documentation. However, there are a number of factors you should consider before you move your documentation to DocBook. This article discusses reasons for and against making the switch to DocBook.

Nesbitt, Scott. ScottNesbitt.net (2002). Articles>Documentation>Standards>DocBook

Report On HTML Style Sheets  

A short report (circa 1997) on how one documentation deparment could use Cascading Style Sheets to format the HTML-based documentation it produces.

Nesbitt, Scott. ScottNesbitt.net (1997). Articles>Web Design>CSS

Talking About Wikis with Stewart Mader

An interview done by Scott Nesbitt of DMN Communications. Nesbitt talks with Stewart Mader, author of the book WikiPatterns. In the interview, Nesbitt and Mader discuss adopting wikis, how best to use them in an organization, building communities around wikis, and why Mader is so passionate about wikis.

Nesbitt, Scott and Stewart Mader. DMN Communications (2008). Articles>Interviews>Wikis>Podcasts

DocBook Conversions with XFC

There are a number of tools available for transforming DocBook XML documents to various formats. All of these tools have strengths, as well as some noticeable weaknesses and drawbacks. This article looks at the benefits of using the XMLmind FO Converter, a graphical, highly configurable, and cross-platform application designed to transform DocBook XML files to any supported output format.

Nesbitt, Scott. InformIT.com (2005). Articles>Documentation>Standards>DocBook

Using XML for Document Authoring and Management  

An introduction to XML (Extensible Markup Language) and how technical writers can use it to create and manage their documentation.

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2004). Articles>Documentation>Help>DocBook

Which Hosted Wiki Is Right for You?

A look at three hosted wiki services that are free or relatively cheap to use and provide easy tools to set up your wiki within minutes.

Nesbitt, Scott. InformIT (2006). Articles>Web Design>Content Management

XML-Based Documentation Using AurigaDoc

A review of an XML-based documentation tool.

Nesbitt, Scott. NewsForge. Articles>Documentation>Software>XML

Creating Quality Content with Open Source Tools  

The detailed notes for the presentation on creating quality content with Open Source tools that was given at DocTrain East 2008 (Oct. 31, 2008).

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2008). Presentations>Technology>Open Source>Technical Writing

Building Presentations From the Ground Up, Part 2

I’ll discuss how Aaron and I get ready to give a presentation, how we actually deliver one, and what happens afterwards.

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2008). Articles>Presentations

Building Presentations, From the Ground Up, Part 1

A look at how two technical communicators plan and prepare presentations.

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2008). Articles>Presentations>Planning

Intuitiveness and Adaptability

With few exceptions, intuitive user interfaces really don't exist. Familiar interfaces do, however. But does that mean developers need to be locked into the same old design patterns? There's no reason why they should.

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2008). Articles>User Interface>Usability

FLOSS Manuals Sprints to Build Quality Free Documentation

Documentation is one area in which free/libre/open source software (FLOSS) is weakest. A project called FLOSS Manuals is trying to remedy this situation. The idea behind project is to create quality, free documentation for free software.

Nesbitt, Scott. Linux.com (2008). Articles>Documentation>Open Source>Writing

Stepping into the Freelance World, Part 4: Educating Yourself

If we don’t learn, we wither. New trends, new tools and technologies, new techniques. Even just new skills for the job. Continuous education is a key to longevity in the world of technical communication. As a freelancer, though, getting educated can be a bit of a problem. While many full-time employees have access to at least some job-specific training paid for by their employers, freelancers must shoulder the costs themselves. And training isn’t always cheap. So, how do freelancers stay current and stay sharp? Here are a few suggestions.

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2009). Careers>Freelance>Education

What Makes a Good Presentation?

I'm definitely not the greatest presenter around. While I like to think I’m improving in this area, there are still holes in my game. Still, I was somewhat flattered. And it kind of fed my then-depleted ego to be asked this question, and the others that surrounded it. What follows are the points that I tried to get across.

Nesbitt, Scott. DMN Communications (2009). Articles>Presentations

Think Simple: A Fresh Approach to User Assistance  

Online help. User assistance. That thing that pops up when you press F1. No matter what you call it, user assistance is an important element in the experience of a user. It can mean the difference between a frustrated user and a productive one. But is today's user assistance all it can be? Are we giving users purposeful information at the right time, in the most effective format, and ultimately in the way that they need it? Unfortunately, no.

Davis, Aaron and Scott Nesbitt. DMN Communications (2009). Presentations>Documentation>Online>Help