Writing tip:

Use a hyphen to clarify compound adjectives. If two or more words are acting in unison to describe or modify a noun, they should be hyphenated to avoid confusion. Some examples are "full-time job," "ready-to-eat cereal," and "well-tempered clavier."

Electronic Publishing

With the advent of on-demand digital printing and computer-based layout, the line between traditional publishing and electronic publishing has become blurred. Most publications are in digital form at some point in the production cycle. However, true electronic publishing is that which is delivered to the end user in digital form or distributed via electronic communications.

Acrobat (PDF) Publishing

Adobe's Portable Document Format has long been the de facto standard in paperless documents, and it has now been submitted for consideration as a true ISO standard. Although many print vendors now use PDFs as an alternative to native layout files, the format's popularity arose from its ability to combine the "look and feel" of a printed document with the convenience of electronic distribution.

Web-Based Publishing

Using a combination of back-end database applications and content management systems, Web-based publishing offers an immediacy and a flexibility not available in traditional media. Although online content is easier to produce, the same standards of quality should be applied. In a well-designed web site, content and presentation are separated, allowing each to be changed independently.

CD-ROM Development

Electronic publications may be combined with physical distribution channels. Documents delivered on CD-ROM are available to the user without regard to network connectivity. These CD-ROMs may contain PDF documents, multimedia presentations, slide shows, HTML files, or any combination of these. Many high-tech companies are now using bundled CD-ROMs to provide user manuals and support documents.