Writing every page is page one topics
Download as PPTX, PDF1 like1,474 views
1) A topic is a self-contained unit of information that can stand alone and be understood without additional context. 2) An effective topic establishes context for the reader, has a specific and limited purpose, and stays focused on one level of detail. 3) Topics are linked together to support readers' self-directed journeys through information on a subject.
Writing every page is page one topics
- 1. Writing Every Page is Page One Topics Mark Baker Intelligent Content 2013
- 2. What is a topic?
- 3. A subject? Noun 1.A matter dealt with in a text, discourse, or conversation; a subject. 2.That part of a sentence about which something is said, typically the first major constituent. Synonyms subject - theme - matter – text Dictionary.com
- 4. A label Topics are a great way to organize messages around a specific subject. To view all messages with a certain topic, click “Topics” and click on a topic. Alternatively, you can begin typing the tag's name into the search bar, and a drop-down menu will appear in which you can select the topic with the up, down, and enter keys. On the Topics page, you can also view your network's most popular topics. Yammer Tech Support
- 5. A unit of organization? A discussion forum is hierarchical or tree-like in structure: a forum can contain a number of subforums, each of which may have several topics. Within a forum's topic, each new discussion started is called a thread, and can be replied to by as many people as so wish. Wikipedia: “Internet forum”
- 6. An abstraction? A topic map represents information using • topics, representing any concept, from people, countries, and organizations to software modules, individual files, and events, Wikipedia: Topic Maps
- 7. Something topical Trends are determined by an algorithm and are tailored for you based on who you follow and your location. This algorithm identifies topics that are immediately popular, rather than topics that have been popular for a while or on a daily basis, to help you discover the hottest emerging topics of discussion on Twitter that matter most to you. Twitter Help Center
- 8. An essay? Focusing a research topic is narrowing (or sometimes broadening) a topic so that you can demonstrate a good understanding of it, including enough examples and important details, within the size limits of the project you are required to produce. You need to satisfy both yourself and your teacher that you know what you are talking about. CAMBRIDGE RINDGE AND LATIN SCHOOL: Focusing a Research Topic
- 9. A constrained essay? For example, the topic "KENYA" is a general one. If your objective is to write an overview, this topic is suitable. If your objective is to write a specific analysis, this topic is too general. You must narrow it to something like "Politics in Kenya" or "Kenya's Culture.“ Guide to Writing a Basic Essay http://lklivingston.tripod.com
- 10. A unit? A topic is a unit of information with a title and some form of content, short enough to be specific to a single subject or answer a single question, but long enough to make sense on its own and be authored as a unit. OASIS DITA Version 1.1 Architectural Specification
- 11. It this a topic? The Capital of France The capital of France is Paris.
- 12. A building block Topics are written as standalone units of information. For use in a larger project, topics need a way to be added to a larger deliverable. DITA uses the map file to combine topics in a specific order for publishing to print (or PDF) output or to online (or Help) content. Publishing Smarter: DITA Primer
- 13. Component or whole? Would a “topic” on the economy of Kenya be One topic? Built out of many topics? Let’s see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Kenya
- 14. Information Mapping Document as a “map” Consists of “blocks” of different types Block=part Map=whole
- 15. IM vs. DITA IM DITA Part “Block” “Topic” Whole “Map” “Map” Design focus Map Topic IM points out that DITA focuses on topic design, but has no theory about design of maps.
- 16. Standalone = part? Does a brake caliper stand alone?
- 17. Standalone = whole? It can stand alone on the parts store shelf But it only functions usefully when attached to a car Image courtesy of gameanna / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
- 18. Every Page is Page One Topic An Every Page is Page One Topic functions alone. It may or may not be made up of smaller information blocks. It may or may not combine “task”, “concept”, and “reference” information.
- 19. Why “Every Page is Page One?” On the Web, readers arrive at content Via a Google search Via a recommendation in a social network Via a link from another page There is no continuity from where they were before. Every link leads to a new page one
- 20. But … Not every page works well as page one The page is in the middle of something It does not function alone An EPPO topic works well no matter where you come to it from
- 21. Why it matters “We seem to be making a cultural choice---with our new infrastructure's thumb heavily on the scale---to prefer to start with abundance rather than curation. Include it all. Filter it afterward. Even then, the filters do not remove anything; they filter forward, not out.” David Weinberger: To Big to Know
- 22. Individual journey Readers make their individual journey through a Web of information Our content is one resource they may visit on that journey But wherever they enter our content, it should act as page one
- 23. How I got here
- 24. Shared vehicles; unique trips Many different vehicles Each functions independently I chose the sequence to create a unique journey The airplane design does not depend on my arriving by taxi The BART works the same if I take the stairs, not the escalator
- 25. No guided tour Readers are self directed We have always known most readers don’t take the guided tour They skip and scan and look stuff up Now they can self direct across the entire web To serve them, provide EPPO topics
- 26. The book model Books provide the guided tour as primary means Linear book Support self-guided as secondary means Scanable subheads Index
- 27. The EPPO model EPPO topics support self-guided as primary means Every pages works as page one Works with search, social curation Works with external resources Can still provide a guided tour as a secondary means Ordered topic collections Can include external resources
- 28. EXAMPLES
- 29. Evaluating the examples Is the example an Every Page is Page One topic? What are the key characteristics of an Every Page is Page One topic?
- 30. Recipe Black Forest Ham and Gruyère Frittata
- 31. Car review Subaru Forrester 2003-2008 review
- 32. Documentation Creating Overrides
- 33. Technical article Create REST applications with the Slim micro- framework
- 34. Documentation Getting Started with VMware Workstation
- 35. Ornithology Blue-footed Booby
- 36. Documentation Post-Migration Tasks
- 37. Documentation Viewing Profile Information
- 40. Documentation QVTOML/Exampl es/InvokeInJava
- 41. Technical Article Introducing MicroXML, Part 1: Explore the basic principles of MicroXML
- 42. Stack Overflow Python shelve OutOfMemory error
- 43. Documentation Exporting Image Versions
- 44. Technical Article Push, Pull, Next!
- 45. Magazine Article The 10 Best Wireless Routers
- 46. Self Contained No linear dependencies Never assumes you have read X May assume you know X May require different types of information “blocks” Narrative minim Narrative necessary to understanding Can be constructed at different lengths
- 47. Establish Context Reader may arrive from anywhere Search and links may be imprecise Allow the reader to get their bearings quickly Navigable context If they are a little off, help them get where they should be
- 48. Specific Limited Purpose Must have a clear idea of the purpose it fulfills for the reader Purpose must be specific Can’t be self contained or establish context if purpose not specific Purpose must be limited One vehicle in a network the reader navigates for themselves Do one thing; do it well
- 49. Stay on one level Books tend to change levels Topics support readers choosing their own path Readers decide when they want big picture or gritty detail Readers change levels by changing topics Topics stay on one level
- 50. Conform to type Topics on a common subject tend to have a similar pattern Recipes Encyclopedia articles on cities Car reviews Ornithology Product comparisons Technical articles 1 2 3 4
- 51. Assume reader is qualified Books designed as sole source for diverse audience Write for the least qualified reader Often annoying for experienced reader Topics are one stop in reader’s self- directed journey If reader is not qualified, they can choose other topics to get qualified
- 52. Link Richly Books are designed for linear reading Links may be considered a distraction Allow reader to deviate from writer’s planned course Topics are for self directed readers Make context navigable Enable reader to qualify themselves Enable switching levels Enable onward journey
- 53. Topics and Topic Sets Need many topics to cover a large subject area Create topic sets, not books Support random entry Establish type to ensure completeness and conformance to purpose Support reader choice within your set Make them work on the Web
- 54. Questions? Contact information Mark Baker Analecta Communications Inc. mbaker@analecta.com Twitter: @mbakeranalecta http://analecta.com http://everypageispageone.com