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Re: User Manual par excellance

Subject: Re: User Manual par excellance
From: Al Geist <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 13:39:42 -0400


Victoria Wroblewski wrote:

I'd call this a case of bad feedback. "This is bad... fix it!"

I've been told a lot of times in my career that "this is bad...fix it," and never once considered it bad feedback. I considered it a starting point to determine what changes are required.

You need to find out exactly what your boss is looking for to make it
engaging. Pictures? New layout and design? A different font? A
difference in the language? A clone of a "Dummies" book? Ala classic
Dilbert, a bunch of exclamation points?
Exactly, except do not take a confrontational attitude. Your job is to find out what the boss wants and to do that, all you have to do is ask. It might be as simple as changing a few images, or tightening up the intro to address and audience that may not have a clue about your product.

If the boss doesn't believe that this is as engaging as a User Manual
can be.... s/he should have an example of what an engaging one is, or at
least be able to tell you what yours is missing. You're trying to make
the boss happy, and you'll drive yourself nuts guessing at what s/he
thinks will make the material more engaging.
The only way you will drive yourself nuts is if you don't communicate with your boss and get clarification as to what he envisions. Who knows, he just might have some good ideas that will make the manuals better and your job easier.

--

Al Geist, Geist Associates
Technical Writing, Online Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design, Award Winning Videos, Professional Photography
Office: 802-658-3140

Cell: 505-400-4128
E-mail: al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com <mailto:al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>
URL: www.geistassociates.com <http://www.geistassociates.com> (online portfolio/resume)

See also:
URL: www.geistimages.com <http://www.geistimages.com> (fine art prints for home or office and note cards for all occassions)

"When the situation is absolutely hopeless, you have nothing to worry about."
Compliments of The Monkey Wrench Gang



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References:
RE: User Manual par excellance: From: Victoria Wroblewski

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