[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,
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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 
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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

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