TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Discuss: Third party manuals? From:"Lindamood, Brad" <blindamood -at- DCA -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 14 Apr 1995 08:48:59 EST
Geoff Hart asked:
>If we do such a great job documenting software, why are so many
>people making a good living writing third party "how to" books?
>What are they doing right and what are we doing wrong?
Unfortunately, one reason I can think of (having nothing to do with
the quality of the third-party manuals) is software piracy. When
someone obtains an illegal copy of software, or takes home something
they use at work, they need a manual to go along with it. I'm not
condoning this practice, of course, just recognizing that it exists.
I have found no use for such manuals so far; usually the included
documentation is more than adequate. If not, I prefer to contact the
company directly, rather than go this route.
______________________________________________
____ ____
Brad Lindamood _____\/_____
Information Specialist __________
E-mail: blindamood -at- dca -dot- com ________
Phone: 513.794.8355 ______
A t t a c h m a t e
______________________________________________