XML development:


We need to create a standardized process for publishing in xml here at the THDL. 


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Theory:


The general strategy is to provide a two-tiered system; one tier to provide structure, the other to provide the general content.


        Portal Structure
                The structure contains top level content (home page blurbs, links, art), sub-navigation for the portal, and nodal structure with links to node content documents.
                
        Node Content
                contains essay-length or otherwise extensive content, page layout determned by portal structure document.
                


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Application:



We need to create two sets of "templates", one for each tier. 


        The Portal Structure Template
                An XML file that: 
                        calls a set of XSL stylsheets for THDL look and feel
                        provides for subnavigation
                        provides node structure
                        provides place for each node's description
                        provides links to nodal content
                        
        
        The Node Content Templates - a variety of standardized methods for creating nodal content
                For instance, THDL TEI Essay, GDMS, and possibly others
                


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Problems:


Problems with implementing the above are:


        1. Need system for assigning unique, THDL-wide IDs.
        2. Need way for turning on-off and replacing secondary menus in subpages.
        3. How to deal with content pages with different, unconventional layouts.