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Subject:Recognition at last! From:Joan Michaeli <joan -at- RTS -dot- CO -dot- IL> Date:Tue, 5 Nov 1996 09:11:26 +0200
The Introduction to "Getting Results with Microsoft Office for Windows 95"
(the only manual you get when you purchase Office) includes the following:
"Historically, we've focused on documenting our products - that is,
explaining how they work, often in intricate detail. ...you've told us that
your primary focus is on getting your work done, not learning our products!
...we also thought about makers of other types of products and how they
provide assistance to their users.
...when you buy a car, you need enough information about how the car works
to enable you to drive it safely; you don't ...need to understand...the
internal combustion engine...and when you're planning to drive your car from
A to B, you just want to know the most direct route, not every possible
route." etc., etc.
Sounds familiar? One of the first lessons in any tech. writing course
emphasizes these points. Do you think that Microsoft actually listened to
their tech. writers? Has the tech. writing business achieved respectability?
I see that they've also added a Credits page and have included the tech.
writers. As I said, recognition at last.
Joan Michaeli
Technical Writer
RTS International
