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Subject:Re: STYLE: Prefaces/Introductions From:Sue Heim <SUE -at- RIS -dot- RISINC -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 27 Mar 1995 08:59:21 PST
Bev Parks wanted to know:
> This leads to several questions for general discussion:
> 1. Do *you* read front matter?
Not as a general rule, although I *will* skim it to see if there is
anything I need to know in it.
> 2. Do you agree with Ms. Thoma that most people *don't read*
> prefaces or introductions?
I don't have an opinion one way or t'other on this one... <grin>
> 2. Do you use a preface and/or introduction in your documents?
> Why or why not?
Nope! Most of my manuals are user's guides. Chapter one provides an
overview of the product, how to install the product, and how to use
the menus and toolbars/button bars. Each chapter includes a brief
"overview" explaining what is covered in that chapter. I'm sure most
people don't read it, but I include it never-the-less (ooops! I also
include one or two lines about each chapter in the first chapter,
which is, incidentally, titled "Introduction and Installation." So,
duh! Does that count as an introduction?)
...sue
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Sue Heim
Research Information Systems
Email: Sue -at- ris -dot- risinc -dot- com
