🚀 go-pugleaf

Hello,
If your thinking about XML in your work process, then you should ensure you understand what structure is for and the processes and tools that need to be developed around it. Suggestions that you would like to have XML coded information edited on FM6, FM6+SGML, structured and non-structured versions of FM7 might indicate that this knowledge acquisition has yet to take place. When you've got some more understanding I hope you have the sense to have a little laugh about this suggestion. A good point to start for XML basics (is XML useful to me? sort of question) could be Goldfarb and Prescod's XML HandBook, Chapters 1- 4 and Chapter 24 to 29. Chapter 29 presents a brief paper on FrameMaker in the structured environment. One quote from the book is, I feel, very significant for everyone considering structure and FrameMaker - (FrameMaker) "is designed to shield the user from the technicalities of XML and to support a workgroup environment".

Therein lies the key issue to FrameMaker. Marketing blurb would have you believe that structure is simply like changing jeans and tee shirt for white shirt, tie, suit, and polished shoes. It can be even simpler than that for users, both generators and consumers of information, if you find an experienced partner to guide you through the "technicalities".

Unless you want to use one of the strucure applications delivered with FrameMaker exactly as is, without the smallest change, then you might just be able to function. But even the supplied applications have their quirks and are really meant to be the foundation of an application development process.

As a starter for finding quality advice try in the SF (CA) area:
www.txstruct.com - Lynne Price
www.caxton-inc.com - Doug Yagalof

In Europe:
www.mekon.com - Iain Macaskill

I've worked with these people and have always benefitted from their advice.

Another organization (North Carolina this time) that has strong skills is Scriptorium (www.scriptorium.com - Alan Pringle).

Just to be straight, let me declare I have no commercial interest in any of these companies. They're just at the top of my "who are you going to call" list when I need some structure busters.
Cheers
Ian