Re: Replacement pages for user's guides

[edunn@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

While you may be right about some audiences, the practice of change pages makes
sense for many audiences and industries. As your post specifically mentions
software, I suppose what you say is entirely true about software. But in the
aviation, transportation, military, and heavy equipment world, change pages are
often the norm, are part of the culture, and are in fact the best solution.

"simply sending every customer a completely revised manual" is a ridiculous
suggestion if you have to send hundreds (or thousands) of copies of a binder
that is thousands in size. Often the changes are of such importance that the
information can not wait until the whole manual is re-released. And if the
binder is just one of dozens in a manual set, why not have change pages if you
are going to have "change binders" anyway? Asking the customer to do your work
by monitoring your website instead of doing the wok yourself and notifying them
directly, in some conditions will not only lead to loss of customers, but also
loss of life of damage to equipment.

I would even argue that the practice of change pages is relevant in the software
industry for sectors involving large enterprise type installations or complex
interdependent systems.

Eric L. Dunn



Please respond to "Robert Simpson" <Robert_Simpson@quickeagle.com>

To:   framers@FrameUsers.com (Framers List)
Subject:  Re: Replacement pages for user's guides



I guess that I also would have to ask why you're doing this.  The cost is high
in terms of the time it takes to keep all the addresses of where to send the
pages, packaging, preparation, etc  In the research that has been conducted,
most replacement pages are not even used by the customers to whom they're sent
for many reasons:  the pages don't get to the right people, just aren't bothered
with, get lost, etc.  Remember the loose-leaf software manuals of old?  They got
out of that business fast!  You're lucky to even get a manual today!  Many you
print yourself from PDF files accessible via websites.

I'd suggest simply sending every customer a completely revised manual or, if
your customers have internet access, make the information available through a
website.  In short, exploit the technology that is available to make your life
easier in the new millenium.

Bob Simspon
Quick Eagle Networks
Victor, NY




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