Letter from the Editor

Holiday reading for the online technical communicator.

By KAREN MOBLEY
Managing Editor - Hyperviews:Online
Carolina Chapter

Presents for the Holidays

This issue of Hyperviews:Online is the last for 2001 and it has some great features for your holiday reading. First, we have a special section on JavaServer Pages (JSP) from David Castro. His contributions include an article that explains JSP and what technical writers can do with it, complete with code examples and links to pages that show the code in action. Additionally, David delivers a tutorial on how to combine the power of JSP with FrameMaker and WebWorks Publisher.

A second gift that this issue is pleased to include is a case study from George Hayhoe, the editor of Technical Communication. Dr. Hayhoe gives the OISIG a step-by-step look at the challenges of preparing to deliver an established print journal to the Web.

The Usual Trimmings

As usual, our columnists have been trying to answer some really tough questions.

In Practical Magic, Neil Perlin tries to answer the question that never really goes away: How long should a help topic be?

In the Reluctant Trainer, Nancy Hildebrandt figures out the perfect gift for those confronted with technical training questions: A carefully compiled list of Web, discussion list, and e-mail resources.

In Book Reviews, Nancy Allison wrestles with computer security and privacy issues. The result is a special book review section where Nancy discusses five titles on this subject.

In Web Site Review (premiering in this issue), Kathryn Bine looks at Jakob Nielsen’s Web site through the lens of his book, Designing Web Usability.

Thinking Back

Looking Forward

The Hyperviews:Online staff has worked hard all year to make the Online SIG's newsletter successful. Everyone volunteers their time and manages to help out in spite of juggling deadlines at work, at school, and at home. I want to thank every member of the Hyperviews:Online staff for their generous help and hard work.

Also, I hope all the Online Information SIG members, our readers, contributors, staff, and families have a joyful and safe New Year.

Finally, please remember that Hyperviews:Online welcomes articles, tutorials (Hint: If you know how to do something, write it up and submit it!), and columns on any facet of technical communication in online information. If you have an idea, contact us.