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Subject:Re: Reading the Manuals From:"PICKETT-HARNER, Molly" <MOP1 -at- NIORDS1 -dot- EM -dot- CDC -dot- GOV> Date:Mon, 17 Apr 1995 10:20:00 EST
Robert:
Please re-read my post: you'll see that I said I "OF COURSE, read/study"
FrameMaker, etc.,
I certainly [repeatedly!] read & study software manuals & on-line help.
Hardware manuals -- no. I repeat, reading the latter is, for the most
part, not necessary to efficiently, expertly (!) operate a MAC.
Read _Being Digital_ Negroponte (bk is at home so cannot cite pages but
will tomorrow if you wish) says there is no justification for complicated
(unamicable? since we're not to use you-know-what any longer...) hardware
designs (e.g., VCRs, computers, etc.).
Molly Pickett-Harner
mop1 -at- niords1 -dot- em -dot- cdc -dot- gov
harner -at- access -dot- mountain -dot- net
75142 -dot- 3264 -at- compuserve -dot- com
----------
<snip>
[I said]
I have never needed to read any of my MAC manuals
>(FrameMaker, Interleaf, etc., manuals, of course, read/study)
<snip>
[you answered:]
For example, I have yet to find ANYONE besides me who has ever even
noticed Microsoft Word's "Style Sheet" feature.
<snip>
They usually don't pay enough attention to realize that the small
cadre of skilled users can write, format, and illustrate ten pages
to their one (and I do NOT exaggerate), with results that are infinitely
more professional, maintainable, and transportable.
<snip>
But, in any event, I'm always struck by the dissonance of a technical
writer who is proud of not reading manuals.
