Re: PDF v paper

[Geoff Lane <geoff -at- GJCTECH -dot- FORCE9 -dot- NET>]

David Thompson wrote:

Question:
Why is there a need for paper doc. to be shipped with a software product?
For example: I write the doc. in Word, I convert it to PDF and put it on a
CD. The final user can then view the doc. or print the doc. if need be.
Production costs are reduced. No printing and lighter packages to ship.
Am I over simplifying the situation?

Comments?

------- [ REPLY SEPARATOR ] --------

I assume that the product installer also installs your PDF files.  IMHO, you
need to ship hard copy installation instructions.  Otherwise, how does the
user know how to access the PDFs, and thus any important information that
they contain?  You should ensure that users have access to important
information *before* they need to use it.

This is conceptually similar to a situation that I faced about a year ago
when I bought a new washing machine.  There were no special instructions on
the outside of the packaging.  I turned the box upside-down, undid the
bottom, turned the box the right way up, and lifted it off the machine.  The
instructions (taped to the top of the appliance) contained the following:
"WARNING - do not invert your new washing machine as this may damage it."
!?!

HTH,

Geoff Lane
Cornwall, UK
geoff -at- gjctech -dot- force9 -dot- net

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