Why You Should Care About XML

Andrew Savikas
September 25, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (26) | Listen

Since we began talking about the StartWithXML project, a few offline comments have come in suggesting that imposing XML on authors (and editors for that matter) won't work.

When framed that way, I'm in violent agreement. I would never argue that authors and editors should or will become fluent in XML or be expected to manually mark-up their content. I naively tried fighting that battle before, and was consistently defeated soundly. It is simply too much "extra" work that gets in the way of the writing process.

But there are several reasons why it's really really important for publishers to start paying attention to XML right now, and across their entire workflow:

• XML is here to stay, for the reasonably forseeable future. While it's always dangerous to attempt to predict expiration dates on technology, I think it's fair to assume XML will have a shelf life at least as long as ASCII, which has been with us for more than 40 years, and isn't going anywhere soon.
• Web publishing and print publishing are converging, and writing and production for print will be much more influenced by the Web than vice-versa. It will only get harder to succeed in publishing without putting the Web on par with (or ahead of) print as the primary target. The longer you wait to get that content into Web-friendly and re-usable XML, the worse.

Many in publishing balk at bringing XML "up the stack" to the production, editing, or even the authoring stage. And with good reason; XML isn't really meant to be created or edited by hand (though a nice feature is that in a pinch it easily can be). There are two places to look for useful clues about how XML will actually fit into a publisher's workflow: Web publishing and the "alpha geeks."

StartWithXML: Why and How

Andrew Savikas
September 12, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Listen

XML-related sessions and tutorials have proven quite popular at our annual TOC Conference, and recent developments including the introduction of the Kindle, the iPhone 3G, and the IDPF's EPUB standard have made understanding XML more important than ever for smart publishers.

But to get the most from an XML workflow, it must be seen as much more than just a tool or a technology: there are serious organizational and cultural issues that are in many ways even more challenging than the technology itself. To better understand these issues and to help publishers deal with them, we've teamed up with the Idea Logical Company on a project we're calling "StartWithXML: Why and How."

StartWithXML is an effort to understand and spread the knowledge publishers need to move forward with XML. It's about the business issues driving the "why" of XML in publishing and the technical and organizational issues, strategies, and tactics underlying the "how" of getting started. The project includes:

• An open online survey meant to capture a broad overview of the issues surrounding XML for publishers.
• A one-day forum scheduled for Jan. 13, 2009 at the McGraw-Hill Auditorium in New York. Through panels and presentations, you'll spend the morning understanding the "why" of XML, and the afternoon learning about "how" to move forward. (Space is limited, so save your seat now.)
• A research report that will include background info, case studies, best practices, technology and vendor profiles, and interviews discussing the factors that make a "StartWithXML" workflow both useful and tricky.
• An online conversation, including a blog, an open comments area for you to weigh in on the report's outline while it's in progress, and a general discussion forum (built out as a group within the new TOC Community).

Idea Logical CEO Mike Shatzkin is detailing the project at today's annual meeting of the Book Industry Study Group, which is providing support for the project and forum. Mike will be blogging on the StartWithXML website, alongside Brian O'Leary, Ted Hill, and Laura Dawson, who are all participating in the research behind the project.

We're trying to cast a wide net with the survey, so even if you're not currently doing much with XML, we want your input.

Related:

• StartWithXML Blog
• StartWithXML Event Registration
• StartWithXMl Discussions

Join the TOC Online Community

Andrew Savikas
September 10, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | Listen

If you've been to the TOC Web site lately, you might have noticed the link up top labeled "Community." We recently did a quiet launch of a social networking site built with Ning. It's meant to provide additional ways to communicate and connect with other folks facing the same challenges around the future of publishing and paid content.

In addition to standard features like Forums and Member Profiles, there are also Groups -- public and private spaces for conversations on specific topics. You can also upload photos and videos, as well as "friend" fellow community members.

When you sign up, you also get your very own blog (we'll be featuring posts from members here on the TOC blog).

I'm thrilled to say that there's already a small but impressive membership list, including Peter Brantley, Joe Wikert, David Rothman, Mike Shatzkin, Laura Dawson, Michael Cairns, and of course Tim O'Reilly. There will be a lot of opportunities for discussion in advance of the 2009 TOC Conference, and we're also cross-posting our "Open Question" blog posts there for additional feedback.

Like any Web community, it's a work-in-progress, but we'd love to have you join the conversation. For the time being, we're moderating new signups to minimize spam. Also note that during signup, you're asked for your age and gender -- these questions are part of the Ning registration, and aren't seen by me or anyone else in the community unless you choose to share them.