Words from the Editor
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Your Users are Going Mobile. Can We Help?
Dan Beall, Product Manager
The content you write for the Web may not be directly related to mobile devices, but you can count on the fact your users are reading it on their phones and tablets. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Internet Project*, 55% of cell phone owners access the Internet on their phones daily. That doesn't count tablets.
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People use these small screens when they are in meetings, waiting in line, commuting, or as a supplement to the traditional screen they are using on their desktops. If your readers are demanding mobile access to content, count on the fact that they won't stop. If they aren't, then count on the fact that they will.
This newsletter is dedicated to mobile content. Doc-To-Help has two options for mobile publishing: Mobile Help and EPUB. While these are already popular among our users, we are going to continue to develop and enhance them as the year passes. That’s why your feedback matters. I'd like to give you a chance to tell us what your opinions and experiences are with mobile publishing. Please take the five-question survey.
* "Cell Internet Usage." PewInternet.org. Pew Internet & American Life Project. June 26, 2012
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Featured Article
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Two Mobile Options Provided by Doc-To-Help
Nicky Bleiel, Lead Information Developer
In the spirit of helping you with your mobile initiatives, I'm linking our most popular blog posts about the two mobile options Doc-To-Help provides: Mobile Help and EPUB. Feel free to browse them and contact us if you have any questions.
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What's New
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Doc-To-Help to Produce STC Conference Materials
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For the second year, Doc-To-Help will be used to produce the STC Summit conference proceedings. We will gather materials from all the speakers and produce PDF, EPUB, and Mobile versions.
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Doc-To-Help Online Training
By learning best practices, tips, and tricks from our certified Doc-To-Help professionals, you and your team will be creating robust Help systems with minimal ramp-up time. Doc-To-Help Trainers conduct online training over the course of four days, covering three separate modules: Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced. The next class starts February 25, 2013.
You can take these classes as one package or individually. These classes are conducted over GoToMeeting and are conducted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time. Learn More | View the Training Schedule
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On the Road Again
We will be speaking at various STC events this year. Upcoming are the Mid-Atlantic and Spectrum conferences in March, as well as the STC Summit in May. If you would like us to appear at your event, please contact us to discuss.
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Upcoming Webcasts
Introducing Doc-To-Help - Take a look "under the hood" of Doc-To-Help. Topics covered include customization and creation of the Table of Contents, Context IDs, and the Index, as well as an overview of how the software works, tips, tricks, and best practices.
February 13 at 3:00 PM (ET) Register
February 28 at 3:00 PM (ET) Register
Best Practices for Creating Mobile Help with Doc-To-Help - Learn about the best practices for creating and customizing a Mobile Help project.
February 11 at 3:00 PM (ET) Register
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Ask the Expert
| Q: When I build a manual in Doc-To-Help, blank pages are inserted at the end of some of the chapters. Why does this happen? Can I make it stop? |
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A: This happens because Doc-To-Help starts all chapters on an odd page by default (it is the industry standard that chapters begin on the "right hand" side, which will always be an odd numbered page). Consequently, for every chapter that ends on an "odd" page, an extra "even" page will automatically be added to maintain the page numbering. Can this setting be changed? Absolutely.
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See Tips and Tricks for Customizing Manuals for complete instructions. If you have any additional questions on this subject or any others, please email me.
Thanks, Nicky
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Survey Center
January/February Survey
Share your opinions and experiences with mobile publishing. Please participate in the 5-question survey below.
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November/December Survey Results
Last month, we asked if you read manuals on a tablet or other mobile device. Here are the results:
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