Good day
Well, I had a bit of frustration today, working with Framemaker, but eventually, after a long, frustrating time, I managed to solve the problem– I hope! I’m trying, as I go through the user manual, to make everything consistent and easy to maintain. It’s not easy– the source files I have are kind of a mess– a common effect when there’s no style guide or standardized template, and the writers spend a lot of time editing and fixing and “tweaking” a manual over several years’ time. I will have to be sure to document what I’m doing to the manual, so I can remember later, after I’ve worked on a different manual for a while.
satanstoystore wrote:
what manual? are you making one?
Posted on 26-Apr-02 at 3:42 pm | Permalink
mortaine wrote:
It’s the user manual for our company’s software product. The new version of the software ships in 2 months, and there should be a manual to go with it. I’m taking over the existing manual, and I’m kind of rewriting it from the ground up.
The company makes machines that measure very small things, used in semiconductor manufacturing– it’s unlikely that someone outside of semiconductor mfg. would ever read my manual. In fact, it’s unlikely that anyone inside the industry will read it, either, but that’s another story.
Related: At the pizza place, do you have documents called “job aids,” like cards that show how to put together certain types of pizzas, and such? Those are all written by tech writers. How effective do you think they are? Do you use them often? Do your employees use them often? Inquiring minds want to know. . . . .
Posted on 28-Apr-02 at 3:57 am | Permalink
satanstoystore wrote:
do you have documents called “job aids,” like cards that show how to put together certain types of pizzas, and such?
Yes.
How effective do you think they are?
They are as effective as the trainer.
Do you use them often?
I do. I still look at em
Do your employees use them often?
The new one’s that I train do.
I like writing manuals and such. Like “Front Desk” manuals. I’ve written instruction booklets on the use of medical equipment. I had guides for those though. I think the neatest one was a multi page doublesided mini booklet. Well, the sun is out so I am going to get some sunshine.
Er wait, it’s raining and icky here in seattle. Always is.
Posted on 28-Apr-02 at 6:22 am | Permalink