From joann.hackos at comtech-serv.com Tue May 1 15:53:24 2007 From: joann.hackos at comtech-serv.com (JoAnn Hackos) Date: Tue, 1 May 2007 15:53:24 -0600 Subject: ANN: DITA Boot Camp Message-ID: <72E2EA99C8FA4F4B930539BF7939C6DF014E237F@CSI001.Comtech.local> JoAnn Hackos's Workshop Series announces the "DITA Boot Camp" workshop, June 4-8, led by JoAnn Hackos and sponsored by DocZone in Golden, CO. The Boot Camp will begin with the DITA Basics. By structuring a task in DITA, learn the structure inherent in the core DITA specialized information types: task, concept, and reference. Work with sample content that gives you insight into the changes that you may need to make so that your content works in DITA. DITA is the starting point for introducing structured writing to your organization. The Boot Camp takes you from the DITA Basics to the skills you'll need to create a specific standard for your industry and your content. Minimalism comes next. Learn why eliminating empty text and focusing on what users really need to know is a critical first step toward structured authoring. You can't create structured topics out of text that nobody wants and no one ever reads. For those unfamiliar with the basics of HTML and XML, attend a special evening session on Tuesday night. Move from structured authoring and minimalism into the details of the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA). DITA is the OASIS standard for topic-based information development. Learn why it is fast becoming the standard for technical communication worldwide. The Boot Camp workshop requires that you bring a laptop computer, sample documentation to complete exercises with and be prepared to learn a DITA XML editor to author topics. During the wrap-up session, discuss how to evaluate XML editors and XML-compliant content management systems. Conclude with an open discussion of applying change management principles to your organization. Register NOW! We expect DITA Boot Camp to be very popular. Space is limited to 25 participants. ATTENTION CIDM MEMBERS. Because of very limited space, we will not be offering the standard 2 for 1 deal for DITA Boot Camp. However, you will receive a 10% DISCOUNT. The CIDM member and STC member price is only $1,755. Please register with Lovonya Thomas at lovonya at comtech-serv.com to receive this member discount. For more information and to register visit the workshop web site at http://www.comtech-serv.com/workshops/index.shtml. From joann.hackos at comtech-serv.com Mon May 14 16:08:55 2007 From: joann.hackos at comtech-serv.com (JoAnn Hackos) Date: Mon, 14 May 2007 16:08:55 -0600 Subject: ANN: Comtech and CIDM Events Calendar Message-ID: <72E2EA99C8FA4F4B930539BF7939C6DF014E273A@CSI001.Comtech.local> Dear Friends, *Are you looking for training or the industry standards for technical communications? * Do you need to know how other companies within your industry are reducing cost, improving productivity, and improving the quality of their products? *Are you unsure where to begin in making improvements within your company? If yes is your answer to any of these questions, then you should register for some of the following events. These events are offered by the industry's leading experts on technical communications and product information. For more information, visit the web sites listed below each event or contact us at 303-232-7586. STC members receive a 10% discount on these event when you contact Lovonya Thomas directly at 303-232-7586 or lovonya at comtech-serv.com to register. DITA Boot Camp June 4-8, 2007: Golden, Colorado www.comtech-serv.com/workshops Minimalism: Creating Manuals People Can Use July 18-19, 2007: Norwood, Massachusetts www.comtech-serv.com/workshops Structured Writing for Single Sourcing July 18-19, 2007: Irving, Texas www.comtech-serv.com/workshops Minimalism: Creating Manuals People Can Use August 14-15, 2007: Mountain View, California www.comtech-serv.com/workshops DITA: Getting Started August 21-22, 2007: Milpitas, California www.comtech-serv.com/workshops Best Practices 2007 September 17-19, 2007: Atlanta, Georgia www.infomanagementcenter.com DITA Europe 2007 First week of November: Frankfurt, Germany www.infomanagementcenter.com Minimalism: Creating Manuals People Can Use January 22-23, 2008: Hillsboro, Oregon www.comtech-serv.com/workshops Content Management Strategies 2008 April 7-9, 2008: Santa Clara, California www.cm-strategies.com