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When I've seen clients charge users for documentation, it's when they've
already provided the documentation online or on a web site. Even so, it
sometimes generates ill will between clients and users because the
documentation has traditionally been included in the price of the
product. There are lots of different ways of providing information these
days. Maybe you could survey your customer base?
Also, if you decide to go with online and printed documentation, be aware
that different organizational strategies are required for each. It's not
a good idea to assume that a printed guide can be converted to an online
guide without modifications (or vice versa).
Arleta Wohlrab
wohlraba -at- bscc -dot- bls -dot- com
-----Original Message-----
From: Carole Dossing [SMTP:Carole -dot- Dossing -at- SODIUM -dot- CRS -dot- COM]
Sent: Friday, September 05, 1997 12:28 PM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: Charging Clients for Documentation
I've just started working for a software company and I am the first
technical writer that they've had. I'm going to be putting together a
documentation set. I was asked today if there is an industry standard
for charging clients for documentation. I have absolutely no idea.
Does anyone have any insight into this issue?
Carole Dossing
Technical Writer Phone: 512.472.0191
BRC Health Care Fax: 512.472.5245
E-mail: carole -dot- dossing -at- emstat -dot- com
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