Re: Is there a need for a hard copy OpenBSD documentation project?

[Luke Seubert <lseubert@radix.net>]

Anil Madhavapeddy on 09/03/2000 10:36 AM scribbled:

> Luke Seubert wrote:
>> Besides, on my problem checklist is a concern with the three ring binder
>> format.  What to do about the A4 versus Letter paper size conundrum.  We
>> need a solution to that little hassle before we can even think of a book.
> 
> Since when has this been a problem?  The whole point of SGML markup is
> to separate content from presentation.  If you use DocBook (as the
> FreeBSD project does, or a metaport of it anyway), then you can output
> to anything from HTML to A4 to nroff to Braille by using DSSSL transforms.
> 
Well, part of the world uses Letter and part uses A4.  If there are any
other paper sizes I should know about, please let me know right away!

It might be the best thing if the OpenBSD Manual was published in both paper
sizes, given that OpenBSD is used around the globe, and folks need to have
it in their local paper size.

However, in order to maintain consistency across the globe, the text that
appears on page x-y.z in the A4 paper size should exactly match the text on
the Letter size on page x-y.z

I know that SGML/XML and OpenDoc and LaTex can produce output to any paper
size, format, etc.  What is critical is that it be able to put the text out
to two different page sizes while maintaining consistency in what text shows
up on any given page number.  That way, somebody reading from the manual in
Great Britain using A4 can talk on the phone to someone using the Letter
size version in America and they can refer to the same page numbers.

If OpenDoc can do this automatically, great.  Problem solved.  If not, well,
that's another something that needs to be worked on.

> Refer to Norman Walshes modular stylesheets for more...
> 
I already have his website bookmarked for detailed study later, which I
obviously need to do.  Thanks for the tip.

> PS:  I'm making a port of JadeTeX atm, should be done soon.
> 
That's good to know.  Many thanks.

-- 

Luke Seubert


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