Re: Trends in documentation delivery? -- MIDRANGE-L

At 02:52 PM 12/16/98 -0600, you wrote:
>>IBM will drop Infoseeker in the next release of OS/400.  They plan to go
>>ahead with the Internet in both HTML and PDF formats, and then plan to work
>>on the Information Center CD.
>>
>>They don't like books, because they don't program on AS/400's.
>
>
>I like IBM's move to PDF. I have paid for an HP printer with the money I
>saved printing high-quality PDF downloadable files. Unfortunately, PDF isn't
>intended for online use, it is _very poor_ navigational/search tools.
>
>To further add to the frustration of PDF being unusable as an interactive
>aid, IBM has zapped the print button from the redbooks on the Web (the
>feature that used to collect user-selected sections or chapters is gone!)
>Thus, with redbooks your options are either download and print the entire
>redbook or use your browser's HTLP print page at a time (which generally
>features about 12 lines per page!). There is _no good way_ to print selected
>portions from redbooks on the Web.
>
>The answer is simple and IBM needs to get the message (give it to 'em Al,
>please!):
>    * Kill the current, nearly worthless softcopy library.

*DEAD on the next release.

>    * HTML and PDF are fine formats--stick with them. I don't mind printing
>entire books with the PDF format. With a good laser printer's two-up
>feature, PDF provides great hard copy.

The IBM idea (if you like it or not) is HTML for quick lookups, PDF if you
want to print a chapter.

>    * Distibute manuals in both PDF and HTML on a CD and on the web--make
>either easily downloadable.

I agree.  Actually I asked for a part of each licensed program to be *PDF,
just like you have *BASE, 1, 2, etc. now.  They heard me, but they haven't
delivered anything.

>    * Put the print by section/chapter feature back on the Web for _all_
>books.
>    * Include a Windows desktop HTML print-by-chapter component with the new
>HTML/PDF only softcopy library.
>    * And, fer cryin out loud, include a good x-ref index and search
>facility.
>
>It seems so easy to me!

I have forwarded a copy of this note to one of the "Information Architects"
in Rochester.

Al




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Al Barsa, Jr. - Account for Midrange-L
Barsa Consulting, LLC.  
400 > 390

Phone:  914-251-1234
Fax:    914-251-9406
http://www.barsaconsulting.com

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