It's funny that in today's electronic world how we have lost the ability to produce quality hardcopy documentation. For example when Bentley launched MicroStation 5.0 it came in a box that was approximately 2' x 3' x 1' high and in it he contains not only the media to install the program but a complete set of bound documentation. The documentation included not only a command guide but a user's manual, a getting started manual, a administration manual, and a rendering/visualization manual. Those were the days.
Do you really think it is too much to ask that if companies are not going to ship a complete set of printed documentation that they could at least make sure that their training manuals are up-to-date and accurate? Not just quickly edited copies of previous versions.
Anybody else out there having thoughts on the subject?
If the next version of MicroStation doesn't come out for two years, and the only new feature is a completely re-written, thorough, and accurate manual that includes best-practices & examples in addition to rote explication, and is devoid of ambiguity and awkward language, I would consider my subscription dollars extremely well spent.
Good post! It's funny you mention this, because some power users and I were talking about this very thing in my office, too. Of curse, that was in regard to MicroStation XM (which we are just rolling out now) but the principle remains. It's the same on the Autodesk end, too, and really with most software. I think part of it is the sheer cost of production of such manauals, only to see them go obsolete in a few years. A PDF is a lot easier and cheaper too ship. Plus, I also think in this more "carbon-aware" world, the need to reduce paper waste is favored by many.
However, I agree with you: those were the days. Of, as it's been said: "they don't make 'em like they used to". Time has to be flying when one says that about software!