RE: Making them read the documentation

[iluvvscotties -at- earthlink -dot- net]

I write very good help modules -- undoubtedly because I write them for 
systems I created and developed, and thus knew all the tricks, functions, 
intended uses, etc.  On one occasion, a VP bought me a beautiful large 
framed picture for my office, because she was so grateful for something I'd 
written.  (The intended user loathed computers, and bitterly resented 
having to use one for her work.  However, once I made it plain to her that 
it was to be *her* system, designed to make things easier for *her*, and 
that *her* input was very welcome, she became extremely enthusiastic, even 
dragging people in from other departments to proudly show them her 
wonderful new system.)

My one and only problem has been with people who brag that they never read 
any form of documentation or directions (and with a boss who didn't have 
the guts to stand up and tell them to do so before bothering his staff).

The best suggestion for that was the one to eat lots of garlic before going 
there, and make darned sure I faced them whenever I talked.  The only 
problem with that is that, with my luck, the CEO would have wanted help 
that day, and I'd have found myself breathing on *HIM*.  (Even in the 
offsite back office, the CFO worked there, and I wouldn't really have 
wanted to do that to him, either.)  Too bad :(


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