Re: Pet Peeves (was Re: The 'user' in User Manual)

[Jim Barrow <vrfour -at- verizon -dot- net>]

>Dori Green [mailto:dgreen -at- associatedbrands -dot- com] said:
>
>I still cringe and wince and am most likely to put a software box >right the heck back on the store shelf when I read
>
>"This software is easy to install and use! <Big Salesy Smile>"
>
>Throw hands in air!  Run away!  Run away!

Have you ever been in a situation where your Marketing department seemed to have more editorial control over your documentation than your manager or your reviewers?

Your post reminded of a situation where I was documenting a user manual for a fairly new technology (at the time).  My manager and tech writing team were happy with the documentation, but Marketing swooped in regularly to insist that the documentation be "happier".

"Happier?"

"Yes!  We want the user to feel as excited that they purchased the product as we are now when we develop it!"

- Jim 
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