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Subject:Re: Reference Data and Online Help From:"Bonnie Granat" <bgranat -at- granatedit -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 23 Jun 2004 06:45:23 -0400
Steven Oppenheimer wrote:
>
> But, getting to my question -- I was so busy, trying to explain to the
> documentation manager why it was essential to include the
> descriptions of
> the technical parameters, it never occurred to me to ask him: Just
> where
> does it say, only procedural material can go into online help, but
> never
> reference material?
>
> So, I failed to ask the manager, but I can ask all of you now: Does
> anyone
> know of some study, or textbook, or something that passes for a
> source of
> authority in the field of technical documentation, which states that
> online
> help should only have procedural material, but not reference
> material? I'd
> sure like to know how that manager might have become so fixated on
> that
> idea. Any leads or hints would be appreciated.
>
The online help design and content have to be tailored to the needs of
the people who will be using the program. There is no "rule" except
that.
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