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Wednesday, 7 February 2001
Topic: "Structuring Your Documents to Maximize Reuse"
About the Event
A major topic among information development managers these days is single sourcing—writing information once and using it many times. Structured documents are critical for single sourcing. In this program, Ginny Redish will explore what is meant by structuring documents, why structuring is useful, and some of the concerns that writers have about structuring documents.
Even if you aren't yet considering single sourcing, you'll find that structuring documents is an extremely useful, time-saving technique. It works in traditional publishing and is useful for individual writers in any situation where they have to create the same type of document many times. It is essential for teams of writers who are contributing parts to a large document or to a set of documents. Single sourcing is good for companies because it creates a consistent look and feel throughout a document set; this promotes an image of competency.
Although there are many commercial products on the market that facilitate single sourcing and content management, Ginny will not address them. Rather, informational and promotional materials from some of the most popular vendors will be available.
Speakesr' Handouts and Presentations
Don't forget your business cards for networking and books for the book drive!
We collect a business card from each attendee for a chance to win the registration fee for the STC Annual Conference. The drawing will take place at the March 24 program. The more programs you attend, the more chances to win. Books are donated to local charities.
About the Speaker

In 1979, Ginny Redish founded the Document Design Center at the American Institutes for Research in Washington, DC, which she directed for 13 years. There, she and her colleagues studied the problems that people have with workplace documents and helped major companies develop model print and online documentation.
In 1985, Ginny also set up one of the first independent usability test laboratories, where she and her colleagues had users come to try out interfaces and documentation for companies like Hewlett-Packard, IBM, SAP, and Sony.
Since 1992, Ginny has been working with private companies and government agencies as a consultant in usability and documentation.
Ginny is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and has a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Harvard.
Schedule
6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Registration
6:30 p.m. - 7: p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Program
Food
Satisfying comfort food served hot from a chaffing dish with sub rolls, Parmesan cheese, pasta salad, dessert bar platter, and beverages.
Hot sub selections include:
- Italian Sausage and Peppers
- Meatballs with Marinara, Southwestern, or Oriental Sauce
- Oriental Chicken
- Parmesan Chicken
- Pulled Turkey Barbecue
- Italian Veggie Caponata (this is a vegan selection and includes Southern Italian roasted eggplant, zucchini, and peppers in a chunky tomato sauce)
- Eggplant Parmesan
Actual hot sub selections will be ordered in units of 10 and will be based on the number of attendees and their selection on the online reservation form.
Fees
With advance reservations: $7.50 for students, $7.50 for DC Usability SIG members, $15 for STC members, $18 for nonmembers and walk-ins, and $5 for program-only attendees (no dinner).
Directions
Hughes Network Systems
Lake Forest Facility (LFF)
100 Lakeforest Boulevard
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2613
Phone: 301-428-5500
Map and directions to Hughes Network Systems in Gaithersburg, MD.