RE: Stalking the wiley tech writer

["Humbird, LenX" <lenx -dot- humbird -at- intel -dot- com>]

Well, the plumber is probably right. That water heater valve is big - you
can't miss it! 

Being a tech writer, you should be concerned with those crappy little knobs
on the valve. Definitely needs a usability study. Probably a brand new
methodology needs to be invented as well. I've had to use a heavy duty screw
driver wedged in the fins of the knob to get some leverage on the damn thing
to shut it off. (And with the force it took to stop the dripping, I was damn
lucky it didn't break off!) 

A coolant leak I had on my Honda Civic - that was an excercise in
frustration. Even when you have the correct tool, the bolt head still rounds
off. I had to drill it out and tap and die it. Metal shards everywhere,
including under my fingernails. 

If this ever happens to you, just die and get it over with. 


> From: Sharon Burton-Hardin [mailto:sharonburton -at- earthlink -dot- net]
> Subject: Re: Stalking the wiley tech writer
> 
> I think I have it all now. I asked my council to help with 
> setting things up
> this evening so I can babysit the plumber who won't be done until the
> meeting starts, probably.
> 
> I tried to turn off the heater but the valve is stuck and 
> requires more
> strength than I have to turn so the damn thing is gunna have 
> to drip for a
> few hours. Even with my tool using abilities, opposable thumbs (and my
> husband's extensive tools), I can't turn it.
> 
> What does this have to do with tech writing? Instructions for 
> turning off
> the water should be on every water heater, in a clear and 
> visible place. I
> had to page my out of town husband to call me and explain how 
> to do it. And
> the size of it should also be clearly visible, which it 
> isn't. When asked by
> the plumber what the size was, my response was "Big". If any 
> of you are
> involved in water heaters, take note.