what doc formats do READERs want ?

["Monique Semp" <monique -dot- semp -at- earthlink -dot- net>]

Hello, writers,

Iâve certainly been following the trends for authoring docs â Wikis, DITA, single-sourcing, all kinds of tools, etc. â but Iâve been asked a very good question: what are the trends from the audienceâs (readerâs) perspective?

That is, we can generally state with confidence that users donât want to read giant PDF docs, but... what do they like more? Do they like HTML pages (whether in a wiki or just as HTML output or HTML help)? Do they like more traditional Help systems? Will they want to dispense with reading and just watch videos?

I can find all sorts of info about the advantages and disadvantages of all sorts of possible doc types, but Iâm not sure where to go to find out what the users will be looking for now, next year, and in 5 years...

Where would you recommend I look for actual metrics? Or certainly feel free to share anecdotes!

Thanks,
-Monique
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