Re: Document delivery on disk only?

[Brett Peruzzi <Brett -dot- Peruzzi -at- FDC-INVEST -dot- COM>]

     One important factor when disk-only distribution of documentation is
     requested is whether it will be files that the user will print out in
     hard copy form or view online (Winhelp, HTML, etc.).

     Also, what is the motivation of the requestor? To save money? Appear
     technologically savvy because (ahem) you have eliminated (?) the need
     for paper? Or, is it being done because it is the best way to meet the
     target audience's needs?

     I have been through this scenario several times, and I try to
     discourage, or at least inform The Powers That Be the dangers of
     providing print files (like a Word document) to users, for several
     reasons.  First, you have no control how the document will be printed
     and/or bound and distributed, thus potentially compromising your
     company's image. Second, your file content may be changed, perhaps
     poorly or inaccurately, not only tarnishing your image, but also
     opening you up to liability if something goes wrong when someone uses
     the information.

     Another consideration is software and hardware platforms. Make sure
     your target audience has or will obtain the necessary software or
     hardware to view or print your documentation.  I have been asked to
     provide documentation "on disk" which existed in MacIntosh or Windows
     format for users that typically only used mainframe terminals.

     OTH, electronic documentation, being read-only, and (hopefully!)
     designed for online viewing, does not present these issues.

     FWIW, my experience has been that the requestors are typically senior
     management types looking to save money, not address audience needs.
     Laurie's Marketing VP may be thinking if he saves big bucks on product
     documentation then he can afford more four-color marketing materials.

     Again, try to find out what the real motivation is, and educate the
     requestor. You won't always win, but at least your management has been
     forewarned.



     Brett Peruzzi
     First Data Investor Services
     Boston, MA USA
     Brett -dot- Peruzzi -at- fdc-invest -dot- com

     **Speaking only for myself**



______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Document delivery on disk only?
Author:  Laurie Miles <miles -at- BROOKTREE -dot- COM> at Internet
Date:    8/13/96 9:01 AM


I was recently speaking with a Marketing VP about his company's literature.
Because there isn't any literature for his products in the marketplace as
yet, he can establish the company standard for document delivery. His idea
is to present product documentation to customers on disk only (no printed
pieces, except for the glitzy marketing stuff).

Does anyone out in techwr-l land have experience with this type of document
delivery? What are the ramifications? What are customer objections? and so
on, and so on, and so on...

Any information would be appreciated.

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Laurie Miles            _o    An editor... comes down from the mountain
miles -at- brooktree,com   _'\<;   after the battle and shoots the wounded.
619-597-4413         (*)/(*)

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