Re: Same content for multiple clients

Subject: Re: Same content for multiple clients
From: Anthony Davey <ant -at- ant-davey -dot- com>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 11:16:09 +0000


I would suggest that phrases such as the example you gave, and things such as screen names are so generic to software manuals as a whole that you have no issue to debate here. Michelin, Bridgestone and BF Goodrich don't (stand by for sweeping generalisation...) re-invent the chemical formula for vulcanisation of rubber for each different client; why should you re-invent your wheel.

If employees for client A have to perform the same task as those of client B, then the clearest instruction, assuming all sorts of things about the similarity of the audience, will be the same. If you want to salve your conscience slightly, charge client B a bit less, because some of the development work has already been done. Or even tell client A what has happened and give them a refund on their investment.. Only you will know which is most appropriate.

Best regards,
Ant

meem writer wrote:


I have written manuals for one client on a specific software program. Another client has asked me to write a manual on the same software program. My question is about content. How much do you change/modify the content from one client to another? There are some sentences that no matter how much I try, sound best a certain way. Can the same text be used in manuals for more than one client? For example, "Click the File menu and select Print" or a description of a window, screen or another component of the software. Thanks!




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Same content for multiple clients: From: meem writer

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