On wire : MadCap Flare Selected as Top Authoring Application

[forfear]

http://uk.sys-con.com/node/724536


....MadCap Flare has been selected as the top authoring application in two new surveys of technical writers. Flare was identified as the authoring application of choice by more than 39 percent of respondents to the surveys conducted on behalf of the HAT-Matrix.com and I'd Rather Be Writing technical communications blogs. The surveys represent the first time that Flare, which debuted in March 2006, has seen higher customer use than any other competing solution--including legacy applications that have been on the market for more than a decade. "

haha! i think i beat richard to this post

..and Tom of i'd rather be writing fame gets quoted ...(we have a voice!)

"Tom Johnson, publisher of I'd Rather Be Writing, wrote in his October 15 blog, "People can't change their toolset overnight (due to legacy documentation, training, deadlines, and other variables), but they do seem to be gradually shifting in the direction of Flare." He noted in the same blog, "MadCap is, not only a major competitor to RoboHelp, but it now seems to have an edge on it.""

[doc_guy]

Yay MadCap! Way to go!

[KevinDAmery]

I found it rather interesting that soooo many people on the HATT list started talking about how surveys aren't very representative just after the results of those came out. Things that make ya go hmmmm....

[Skooter]

A comparable product that's better than Flare? It would have to be BLOOOODY good! (Maybe the HATT group aren't very representative of technical writers?).

[KevinDAmery]

Well, one person was a RoboHelp trainer, another was the Product Manager *for* RoboHelp, and a third was a very dedicated user of Authorit... so make of that what you will.

[SteveS]

The HATT group does have a bias towards RH - most of the participants seem to be long term users. There is one very vocal AuthorIT user who can be very abrupt if you disagree with their opinion.

In general, though, it is a very good forum. Some of the folk are very knowledgable.

I am also a member of the lone writers special interest group in the STC. Now that's a vibrant forum that goes a long way to providing a lone writer with the peer support you get in the office. You can post a "what is a better way of saying" question and get an answer back almost straight away - just like at work!

[Skooter]

"lone writers special interest group " Membership of 1? I refuse to join any writing group that would have me as a member.

[LTinker68]

I refuse to join any writing group that would have me as a member.

Does that include this forum? 'Cuz we can make a call.

[Skooter]

I think what I mean is... a lot of writers don't talk much - even on forums as good as wot this is.

[KevinDAmery]

In general, though, it is a very good forum. Some of the folk are very knowledgable.

Quite true, which is why I stay subscribed. Just remember to wear a crash helmet

[SteveS]

Quite true, which is why I stay subscribed. Just remember to wear a crash helmet

You soon learn what topics get a vitriolic response. It can be an easy place for a spot of trolling...