TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: USER Guides From:Bruce Boyer <bboyer -at- OBJECTSHARE -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 17 Dec 1998 14:19:35 -0800
>It is simple..... The average customer wants a book. This has been proven
>time and time again. People much prefer the printed newspaper to the
>on-line versions. People expect to get a book, it has been this way for
>many years. So provide documents.
The counter argument is obvious. Books are expensive, and add greatly
to the cost of goods. A software provider has to determine what
the product includes, and it may or may not include documentation as
extensive as "the customer wants." The customer also wants cheaper
product.
>Say... MS has cut back on other User Guides, while Microsoft Press has
>started selling more and more books. Is this connected in some way?
Obviously. A software vendor does have a responsibility to provide
sufficient information to effectively use their product. It is not
obligated
to do so for free, nor to make all bundles include maximal documenation.
We really have no grounds to complain that MS has recognized that
information, as well as software, is a chargable product.
