ronknights opened this issue on Jun 15, 2002 ยท 76 posts
BAM posted Tue, 18 June 2002 at 11:00 AM
We often come to expect too much of manuals. If it was as easy as learning from a book/manual all we'd need are libraries and not institutions of learning. Unfortunately, when we learn is often based on context. If it's needed and can be found then it will be useful. Some don't wish to read a book over and over again, even if it is at the mechanics shop, doctor's office, or elsewhere. Some don't learn if they're not in front of the computer. Manuals at the very least should explain the who, what, when, where, and why of every button, every switch, every choice, etc. Better yet they should do that in the context of tutorials so that some context is given to the use of the button, switch, choice etc. For me the most useful part of a comprehensive guide could be the index. Especially because I like using index type searches I like to have the manual online. Unfortunately, I don't use the same words as the tech writers. For example, I don't remember the exact circumstances, but I wanted to know how to make the foot invisible. I think I looked in the manual's index under foot, under visible, under invisible, later, I found out the manual had it under amputate?! Another one for me is that I cannot get used to calling or thinking of what should be called the upper arm, the shoulder. Therefore, I think a great addition would be a synonym guide. Finally, Curious Labs, since people successfully using their program will only serve to help them, should organize the wealth of information supplied in the various forums and put those together in a centrally located, searchable, online book.