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.
Manuals that are in the 7 x 9" range (such as yours) seem to be most
commonly used. This size preference may have to do with it's convenience:
fits compactly on the desk, close to the computer without taking up a lot of
valuable real estate, easier to hold in our hands or lap, and fits in a
briefcase. Most of the 3rd party computer books are printed in this size
range too, probably for the same reason. With appropriate layout and fonts,
readability need not be sacrificed. You didn't say why your tech support
person is adamant about 8.5 x 11. If she or he has the user in mind, I'm
curious as to the perceived benefits to the user from the larger books.
Nancy Burns
nburns -at- breault -dot- com
-----Original Message-----
From: Brian Doonan <bdoonan -at- CORECO -dot- COM>
...one of our tech support people...is
adamant in his belief that a technical manual..., should be
8.5 by 11 inches in size. We produce manuals in 6.5 by 8.5 and believe it's
the best option for us. ...
