From the Potomac Indexing blog, here is another great article on using cross-references from Meghan Brawley: Usability: Understanding Cross References, Part II.
Category: Indexing process
Fetus or unborn child?
As indexers, we all know that our choice of words is important. We also know that language is dynamic so we need to be aware of current usage, sometimes even “politically correct” usages. In medical, scientific, or technical indexing we are often dealing with terms that have very specific definitions so it is easy to…
Time to edit this index….
I’ve just finished an index from the second-pass proofs of a comprehensive medical book (it includes all systems, biochemistry, microbiology, public health, et cetera). The book is 672 pages of very condensed information in an almost tabular format so the material is written in a terse manner (to say the least). Needless to say, it’s a…
Unbiased language….
When we’re writing an index we try to reflect the intent of the author with our phrasing of the index entries. Since much of my indexing is technical and factual I had not thought much about biased language in index writing. Usually…. However, on at least on indexing project I really did have to give…
A break is…
There are breaks, and there are breaks–not all breaks are equivalent. There are times when a “head” break is needed–away from the index, away from the computer, and sometimes even away from the cat. Then there are the breaks that are for RSI prevention. Those are distinctly different from “head” breaks! Sometimes I hate my WorkPace…
Indexing blogs….
I’m a subscriber to the Potomac Indexing blog–a great source of “continuing education” and thought-provoking articles. Since usability concerns us all this article on cross references seems particularly pertinent; I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
Term selection article
From Potomac Indexing, a good article on term selection–a major indexing activity!
TExtract play day
What does an indexer do over a break from writing indexes? I’ve been fortunate to have a hiatus in indexing. My schedule that I thought was reasonable turned into something very hectic and almost heroic. I’ve more incoming, but I’ve used the time between work to research kohlrabi, to hive and tend the bees, write,…
An unproductive day….
I do love working from home and being my own boss; usually I’m quite diligent about work but there are those occasional days productivity just isn’t happening–I can’t think of appropriate ways to phrase entries; just nothing is going right. I can’t blame the cat–even if he is persistently trying to walk across the keyboard (trying…
How to Read a Book?
…and for indexing?
Graffito Indexing 