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

[AKF <outdoorminer2002@xxxxxxxxx>]

You're very welcome and good luck with the project.

BTW, I forgot to add the importance of carefully outlining your
manual. Without a good outline, writing a good user manual or
tutorial will be difficult to do in a timely manner.

Believe me, I learned this the hard way. Try writing 500 pages
of largely original material without a good outline. I did and I
lived to regret it. :-)


--- Lydia Sugarman <thegoodegg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> 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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> >
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> >
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> 
> --
> 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


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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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www.WebProducers.org. You can also access the list archive at the website.

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