Re: FAQs: What to do?

Martin Atkins wrote:
> 
> .----------------------
> |If you make a web page for the FAQ, it should have a linked index. Other
> |than that no real bells and whistles is really necessary. Remember the
> |medium that this is discussing. Plus, it gives the FAQ a professional
> |look (if that is desired.)
> '----------------------
> I feel that it is easier for all concerned to just have one copy of the main
> FAQ in plain text format... if we have an HTML version and a Text version
> hanging around things will be harder to keep under control and keep people
> updated.

There are many programs/scripts hanging around that can strip HTML out
of a document. So if you maintain the HTML version the plain text
version would require minimal effort. Remember also, you are talking
about MINIMUM HTML formatting. With the exception of the linked index,
all that will be in the document are <PRE>, <P>, and <TARGET> tags. If
you use a script to edit the HTML version, you can easily tweek it to
look for those tags specifically.

I know, I know. This sounds backwards to what you want to do. In
reality, you should think about posting the FAQ to the newsgroup as
secondary to maintaining the website. To post the FAQ to the group would
only require some work with a word processor and an HTML strip program.

> 
> .----------------------
> |If the first two are followed then mirroring may not really be
> |necessary. It can be done but the mirror list should be kept at the web
> |site not in the posted FAQ document. It isn't necessary since the
> |mirrors are really for the web site.
> '----------------------
> Surely the point of the list of mirrors is to find your closest site
> *before* you go to the web site? If you need to go to a web site to find the
> mirrors list it kinda defeats the object. There should be a list on the web
> sites too, I think.
> 

Yes and no. While is sounds logical to maintain a mirror list off of a
website, it really is impractical. Keep in mind that what ever address
you use will be considered the prime resource for the FAQs. This will be
everyone's starting point when looking into them.

One question. Are you planning to offer the FAQs in an archived format
for downloading?

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