TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
We do software release notes too. I agree they are essential. I would
differentiate software release notes from document release notes.
Leonard
-----Original Message-----
From: Victoria Wroblewski [mailto:victoria -dot- wroblewski -at- eagletest -dot- com]
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 11:02 AM
To: Leonard C. Porrello; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Tracking Documentation History
-----Original Message-----
From: Leonard C. Porrello
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2008 12:14 PM
Subject: RE: Tracking Documentation History
> I wouldn't question a customers preferences, but I do wonder if anyone
> knows what value is derived from such a list.
At the current job, we've got a 40 page "What's New" standalone document
that outlines the changes made to the entire documentation set, going
back as far as 2000. It does go out to customers with the updates for
each new software release.
Most of our customers don't upgrade their entire network of systems with
each release. We release the updated software, they might get a copy of
it so they can test and plan before they even think about rolling it out
system-wide. If they don't see a value for their own particular setup,
they're not going to be bothered with an upgrade. When they do upgrade,
it's not uncommon for a customer to be skipping over several released
versions of our software. So, for our customers, there is some value in
seeing what has changed or been added. If our Release Notes did a
better job of product improvements more than defects, I'd love to chuck
the "What's New" document, but that is not the case. Maybe one day
we'll get there.
- V
**This transmission may contain information that is privileged,
confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you
are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained
herein (including any reliance thereon) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you
received this transmission in error, please immediately contact the
sender and destroy the material in its entirety, whether in electronic
or hard copy format. Thank you.**
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-
