To make it easier for information architects who are creating specializations, it helps to have guidelines for specializers.

This guideline speaks in favor of creating a distinctive namespace for the new identifiers in a specialized module. It explains how to do so, and some of the consequences.

The content is based on an e-mail message from Eliot Kimber on February 8, 2006 to the mailing list of the OASIS DITA Technical Committee. Note: this was written quickly, for a language design discussion. Suggestion: edit for a less conversational style.

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These guidelines are primarily for information architects who are considering adding to the pool of DITA Specializations. Please add your own suggestions, marking with "Suggestion:" any contributions that you believe the community might need to come to consensus on.

Several categories of information are relevant:

• What a specializer needs to know about modules in DITA
• Where existing modules are catalogued

Some special topics are also provided:

• Whether to use namespaces when specializing