[tdf-discuss] Re: A proposal for effective, volunteer-friendly user support in LibreOffice

Le 2010-11-23 15:36, Robert Derman a écrit :

> I have said this in the OOo discuss list, and I think it bears repeating
> here. One of the biggest problems causing the need for users especially
> new ones to need help is the lack of a good users manual. The OOo
> documentation site is very confusing, there are too many manuals to
> choose from and nothing says anything like "If you are a new user, this
> is the one you want". I could be wrong in this, but I don't think that I
> am. The only module I ever use with any regularity is Writer. If I can
> figure out how to use it, I might use Calc for a personal check
> register, likewise I might use Base for a list of all my DVD collection,
> but it's Writer that I use daily. I suspect that I am fairly typical in
> this, and that perhaps 50% or more of OOo, and now LO users use Writer
> far more than they use the other applications. A survey might tell us if
> that is so.
>
>
> Assuming that it is, I think the primary users manual should focus on
> Writer, with just one chapter on each of the other modules, and a
> pointer to where to download a more extensive manual on each. Where I
> disagree with most who write in, is that I think that a basic manual
> like I describe *should be in the download package*. In order to keep it
> small for that reason, it should be in ODF format not PDF, and it should
> be formatted for an 8.5x11 page rather than the usual 5x7 so that it
> would be practical for the user to print out without the horrendous
> paper waste of the 5x7 format. (Remember all printer paper comes in
> 8.5x11 or similar) Also keeping it to 100 pages or less will both keep
> the download size down, and encourage users to actually print a hard
> copy. (a hard copy is very useful because you can read in the manual
> while using the software) I find help often less than helpful simply
> because it can be difficult to both read how to do a thing and
> simultaneously do it. I recognize that a much longer and more detailed
> manual is required to completely cover subjects like Styles, but for all
> beginners, and most other users a manual like I just described is what's
> needed. Probably organized with an introduction to the most used
> commands, then a tutorial, then a reference section.
>
> This could be one thing that would set LO apart from other packages that
> offer good word processors, Even expensive MS basically sucks in the
> area of manuals and user support. Years ago they used to be much better
> in this area. Good user support seems to be the first thing that for
> profit companies give up when they think they can get away with it. Now
> it is time for me to climb down off of my soapbox Robert Derman

Hi Robert. This could probably be easily done. However, adding it to the 
download may not be a good idea as some of us (there are qutie a few) 
are already worried about the size of the download. Maybe make 
advertising of the download a little more obvious would be the solution. 
Then the user would only have to download the manual at that point. I 
will leave a note to the documentation team and se what they think of 
this. I'm sure they will come back with usefull information.

Cheers

Marc


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