RE: Unfriendly User Manuals

["Graap, Ken" <keg@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I prefer a CD with PDF files... Then I can print the manual or access it
electronically... The best of both worlds, and probably even a cheaper
solution for the vendor....

Kenneth

****************************************
Kenneth E. Graap
IBM Certified Specialist
AS/400e Professional System Administrator
NW Natural (Gas Services)
keg@nwnatural.com
Phone: 503-226-4211 x5537
FAX:    603-849-0591
****************************************


-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Crosby [mailto:jlcrosby@dilgardfoods.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 02, 2002 11:42 AM
To: Midrange Mailing List
Subject: Unfriendly User Manuals


Arrgh!  Just had another company do this to me.

ICS (the FormSprint people) sent the latest copy of their user manual.
Instead of loose leaf pages in a 3-ring binder, it's now a paperback
book.  It no longer stays open on _any_ page, let alone a specific
page.  Therefore I have to hold it open with 1 hand when in use.
Furthermore, the spine won't stand up to much use, period.

When I called to register a complaint, I was told it's a cost cutting
measure.  I said I understand the 'why', but why couldn't you have just
sent me new loose leaf pages?  I would insert them and it would be even
less cost for them.  Their reply was that most customers won't take the
time to do that.  My response _should_ have been that if a customer
won't keep the manual up-to-date, that customer isn't using the manual
to begin with.

They seemed genuinely surprised that I was irritated with this.  Am I
the only one who actually uses manuals as a guide from time to time and
wants them to stay open on the page I want?

--
Jeff Crosby
Dilgard Frozen Foods, Inc.
P.O. Box 13369
Ft. Wayne, IN 46868-3369
260-422-7531

The opinions expressed are my own and not necessarily
the opinion of my company.  Unless I say so.

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