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Converting Documents to Hypertext

Introduction

When I first came to Boeing, my workgroup delivered documents (stored either in Microsoft Word or XyWrite) in hardcopy format. As more modern document delivery options were made available to us, I convinced the customers, development staff and the management to adopt these new technologies to make documentation maintenance and delivery easier. I also converted over 1000 pages of documentation (such as language reference manuals, quick reference guides, installation guides and user guides) from strict text formatting to hypertext. This chapter will share what I learned with you.

Here are some guidelines I recommend you follow when you begin to convert your paper-based documents to hypertext. Each guideline will be expounded later in this chapter.

These guidelines won't tell you everything but they will start you in the right direction.

	Clarify why you are converting the document
	Be prepared for "conversion resistance"
	Choose an appropriate tool to process your information
	See how your customers actually use their document
	Don't change the formatting unless it actually helps the document
	Link both inside and outside your document
	You may not be able to do all you want to do

Converting Documents to Hypertext

Introduction

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Last edited on: 03/14/2001