FreeLists / webproducers / [webproducers] Re: Reference books.

["m o r r y" <morry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Also, if possible add a small tip sheet with the most popular comands.

Morry

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lydia Sugarman" <thegoodegg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <webproducers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 5:26 PM
Subject: [webproducers] Re: Reference books.


>
> Thanks so much for your advice.  If you're interested, it's for a 'private
label' version of CoolerEmail.  You can sign up for free and get access to
about 90% of the application plus, watch the Tutorial.  If
> you do decide to entertian yourself with that, I'd love your feedback.
>
> Kindest regards,
>
> Lydia
>
> AKF wrote:
>
> > Generally, it's a bad idea to rely exclusively on tool-tips and
> > online help. Few people read them so providing a backup,
> > hardcopy manual is an excellent idea of covering all bases.
> >
> > Anyway, there are no hard and fast rules for how to go about
> > this as each situation is different and there are all sort of
> > variables to consider, including:
> >
> > * the level-of-sophistication of your audience
> > * the complexity of the application itself
> > * the time the audience is willing to invest in learning the
> > application
> > * the way your audience prefers to learn the application. some
> > like to read the manual first while others simply like to
> > explore  and only refer to the manual when they have a specific
> > question.
> >
> > Having written several style guides/maintainence guides and two
> > computer books that were very tutorial-oriented, I'd do the
> > following:
> >
> > 1) Keep your manual short and concise. This prevents users from
> > "tuning out" while reading your instructions. No one wants to
> > read "War and Peace", rather they want something that will step
> > them through how to use an application quickly and effectively.
> >
> > 2) Avoid getting too technical and never assume that the user
> > knows the jargon of the day. If you must use jargon, provide a
> > glossary that clearly explains it and make frequent references
> > to it in the manual text.
> >
> > 3)  Illustrate (with screen shots) as many actions as possible.
> > this avoids the "press any key" syndrome where unintentionally
> > cryptic explainations can cause user confusion. Doing so also
> > helps the user see what each action produces. Many people tend
> > to grasp concepts visually and the more visual information you
> > can provide them with, the better. As they say, a picture is
> > worth more than 1,000 words...
> >
> > --- Lydia Sugarman <thegoodegg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > >
> > > Well, I may have bitten off a pretty big bite.  I have to
> > > write a users'
> > > training manual to accompany the email marketing application I
> > > sold in
> > > to a new client.  It is to be used for their sales force each
> > > of whom
> > > will have an account to use.  There are already numerous Tips
> > > buttons
> > > all over the site every step of the way, but this is just
> > > something to
> > > hold onto and as a supplement to the online help.
> > >
> > > I will use the Flash tutorial already on the site as a
> > > guideline.  But,
> > > it is a little outdated.  And, will grab screen shots to use
> > > as
> > > examples.
> > >
> > > Anyway, since I've never done this before, I am hoping you can
> > > point me
> > > to some reference sources and/or guides for doing this...,
> > > please.  Of
> > > course, any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
> > >
> > > By the way, ACME was great fun.  David Tomere represented the
> > > group
> > > admirably.  Maybe you'll come in September!
> > >
> > >
> > > Lydia Sugarman
> > > --
> > > Managing Partner
> > > Private Label InterActive
> > > "Markets are conversations."(c) Cluetrain Manifesto
> > > Intelligent eMail Communications Solutions
> > > P:  212.533.3456
> > > --
> > > CoolerEmail - New York
> > > Director-Business Strategy & Development
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
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> > >
> > > Questions and comments are welcome just e-mail me,
> > morry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >
> > =====
>
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> >
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__________________________________________________________________________
> > To unsubscribe send a blank message with unsubscribe in the subject to
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> >
> > To access our webform (instead of sending e-mail) for popular commands
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> >
> > Questions and comments are welcome just e-mail me,
morry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> --
> Lydia Sugarman
> --
> Managing Partner
> Private Label InterActive
> "Markets are conversations."(c) Cluetrain Manifesto
> Intelligent eMail Communications Solutions
> P:  212.533.3456
> --
> CoolerEmail - New York
> Director-Business Strategy & Development
>
>
> __________________________________________________________________________
> To unsubscribe send a blank message with unsubscribe in the subject to
webproducers-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
> To access our webform (instead of sending e-mail) for popular commands
including subscribe, unsubscribe, digest, and vacation  visit
www.WebProducers.org. You can also access the list archive at the website.
>
> Questions and comments are welcome just e-mail me, morry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>

__________________________________________________________________________
To unsubscribe send a blank message with unsubscribe in the subject to 
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To access our webform (instead of sending e-mail) for popular commands 
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www.WebProducers.org. You can also access the list archive at the website.

Questions and comments are welcome just e-mail me, morry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx