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Subject:Re: Binders vs. Books From:Debbie Molinaro <debbiem -at- J51 -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 5 Mar 1997 08:10:12 -0500
-----Original Message-----
From: Lynn Gottlieb [SMTP:lynndeg -at- U -dot- WASHINGTON -dot- EDU]
Subject: Re: Binders vs. Books
See imbedded comments
On Tue, 4 Mar 1997, Ginna Watts wrote:
> Is it possible to update sections of an existing manual that is numbered in
> one flow, or will it have to be reformatted to chapter numbering? (i.e.
> 2-34, 6-21). I am having trouble seeing how it can be done without breaking
> pagination, indexes etc., but I will bow to your knowledge.
>
It is possible to update sections numbered in one flow by adding
pages and numbering them using the
decimal point in page numbers (i.e., 26.1). I ALWAYS put the revision
date in the outside bottom corner (i.e., rev. 3/4/97)
> Has anyone had any experience sending out change pages? Do users actually
> insert them? Are change bars or some such necessary?
>
Clients will insert them if they believe that the manuals are useful, and
the updates are necessary. The energy expended has to be worth it. Also,
I always include a page with each page number being updated, what the
change is and if appropriate, why the change was done. I ask the clients
to file that page in the back of the book. They do, according to reports.
> I'm having nightmare about keeping track of all these bloody versions -
> Harder to maintain change in a binder, or update booklets?
>
[Debbie Molinaro]
I recall a similar thread around 2 or 3 years ago which helped me decide to change our style. We used to deliver binders, but a competitor was delivering a very attractive Wiro(tm) bound manual. We were also concerned about updates.
Someone on this list posted that the time it took to administer the changes cost more than reprinting the whole manual. Furthermore, many folks on this list admitted to having stacks of shrink-wraped changes in their cubes they hadn't gotten around to inserting.
> Finally, getting into emotions, how do people feel about binders vs. bound
> books? I'd like to get a tally.
[Debbie Molinaro]
I like the Wiro-type of spiral binding. It doesn't fall apart. You can copy a page easily. You can open to a certain page and have your hands free to work.
Debbie
Debbie Molinaro debbiem -at- j51 -dot- com
Manager, Technical Publications
Materials Research Corp, Semiconductor Group
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