Thank you very much for the compliment, Mad Max.
I think the problem with a lot of manuals and books on the subject is they
tend to get too wrapped up in the verbiage and don't give the kind of step
by step instructions most users need and are seeking.
On the other hand, there are users who simply can't function without a
manual. My Uncle is a retired Physical Chemist, he has a PhD and was
considered the leading scientist in his field. When it comes to computers,
he's absolutely paralyzed without a manual.
The problem is finding the happy medium. Many, including myself, find
computers highly intuitive but that is a twin edged sword and one of the
reasons for the problem you have with manuals and books on the subject.
Good manuals or good instructions are written by people who make no
assumptions about the reader and are able to step away from their own
preconceived notions and frame of reference to give the information that is
needed without assuming previous knowledge.
I had a guy beat me up on the boards once for having given him such detailed
step by step instructions as though I perceived him a beginner because he
was an experienced user. As I gently reminded him, I have no way of knowing
the extent of anyone's knowledge, even when they say they are experienced
and most of the time I find the users who don't need to know some step or
steps I've posted in a response simply don't process it while others follow
it exactly, step by step. Also, because of the nature of these boards, I'm
not only responding to the person who asked the question, I'm responding to
anyone else lurking who may never ask a question but who happens to have the
same issue. Hence, just as should be the case, especially with manuals, I
have to write for the masses and assume they need every step.
As to whether or not I'm inclined to write a book on this subject, I've
considered it. However, for all the time I spend on my own computers and
gadgets and the time I spend responding to questions on these boards, this
is still just a hobby. It's a hobby I enjoy immensely but a hobby
nonetheless and there are other areas in my life, professionally, in which
I've spent years of study and have years of experience about which I might
be far more inclined to write.
Thank you again for the compliment, it is greatly appreciated.
And, you never know, if I feel I've gotten a jump on a topic or new angle
that would be worth the read, I might just write that book after all!
