As I've written in another mail, I am currently translating
"Writer Basics" to German. One thing I noticed:
When e.g. creating a new document is described in this document,
keyboard shortcuts are mentioned first, menu commands afterwards.
I think it would be better to do it the other way round. I know
that many advanced users of GUI programs are almost obsessed with
keyboard shortcuts, but from a didactical position I think it
would be good to note that shortcuts are exactly that: a way to
making the process of selecting the correct menu entry faster, to
cut it short.
I think beginners should always be taught the menu command first,
and *then* the keyboard shortcut for this reason. Also: If the
users forgets the exact keyboard shortcut, and does not know the
menu command, there is no easy way to find it out. It is easy
the other way round, as all shortcuts are listed next to their
respective menu commands.
Also menu commands are so much easier to remember for beginners.
I do think, that even if *we* use shortcuts in our daily work all
the time (actually I don't), we should discribe stuff in a way
that benefits our target audience most.
I would like to know what you all think about this. Maybe I *am*
wrong.
/ralph -- I hope this is not too much of a rant. I really like
"Writer Basics" and have seen this in lots and lots of
free documentation.
--
Rettet die Wale und stÃrzt das System, und trennt euren MÃll,
denn viel Mist ist nicht schÃn!
Gustav, "Rettet die Wale"
