RE: SGML, DTDs, EDDs, and FOSIs

[eric.dunn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Great discussion. It's helping wrt to some of the many acronyms floating around
in the SGML universe.

For those that didn't get the original question, I was actually going a step
further with Rick Quatro's question regarding Mil-Spec 38784 documentation and
his search for FM SGML Applications for them or a consultant to produce them for
him. I had found the USAF web site that provided Spec, DTD, FOSI, and OmniMark
Script downloads for the production of Mil-Spec 38784 documentation. The
formatting work already exists and if there was even so much as an Adept FOSI
manual that explained the coding of a FOSI, translating the FOSI manually line
by line wouldn't be all that difficult.

Seems to me the most ridiculous thing about SGML/XML/**ML is that they are all
sold as easy ways to exchange information. However, the entire structure
including the language of the specifications, the proprietary implementations,
information hoarding by consultants, and the high priesthood/secret society
behaviour of those in the know, all prevents the easy interchange of
information. Even more infuriating (to me at least) is that so many of the
principles and techniques are so blazingly simple yet presented in such
arcane/black magic manner. Take FM SGML applications for example. Consultants
throw around "application" as if it's some giant development project. Cripes, it
only means you have a template, EDD, DTD, and read/write rules.

Perhaps, if Adobe is serious about pushing FMs structural documentation
capabilities they could produce a truly standards compliant SGML/XML
implementation. Certainly if Adobe would develop some solid transform tools to
import/export other formatting standards they could gain a lot of the market
share currently held by Adept.

Also, I think there's a huge gap to fill when it comes to the documentation and
dissemination of information concerning standards. The information industry
desperately needs documentation and tools to shine a light through the thick fog
created by all the over paid consultants and standards organisations.

Given all that I suppose I will look into the DSSSL links that have been sent to
me and look into XSLT, XSL-FO to develop my skills. Of course that means yet
more wading through bumf and hyperbole to try and figure out the simple why and
how of it all.

Eric L. Dunn



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