Dr. Kirkby,
I don't know what you did here, but this is what I see (i.e., nothing)
in two different mail clients. I can see the info on the list website,
though.
To respond, it's a bad idea to add references to books that few will
read (your own story underscores the point), no one will monitor, and no
one will approve. And my experience with GnuCash and its documentation
is that information that gets in is very difficult to get back out, and
sits in circulation for years after its relevance or accuracy.
Further, Section 2.1.4 specifically explains the fundamental aspect of
double entry accounting thus:
"The accounting equation is the very heart of a/double entry accounting
system/. For every change in value of one account in the Accounting
Equation, there must be a balancing change in another. This concept is
known as the/Principle of Balance/, and is of fundamental importance for
understanding*|GnuCash|*and other double entry accounting systems. When
you work with*|GnuCash|*, you will always be concerned with at least 2
accounts, to keep the accounting equation balanced."
While this may not be as prominently-placed as some may wish, it *does*
cover the concept concisely and accurately. Other sections explain the
process of actually entering transactions. It's not clear to me that
adding yet another layer of information that nobody reads is a solution
to the problem.
David T.
On 12/15/2022 10:36 AM, Dr. David Kirkby wrote:
On Thu, 15 Dec 2022 at 05:35, David T. via gnucash-user
<[email protected]> wrote:
David,
I'm not sure what you mean when you say "documentation," but I
don't think the Guide or the Help would be appropriate places to
make such references. Section 2.1 of the Guide gives a few basic
explanations on underlying accounting concepts. This section, in
fact, states that "you do not need to have a complete
understanding of accounting principles to find it useful." This
contradicts what you and Michael want to say. Perhaps a balance in
the advice in the Guide could be found, one that reassures the new
user that they can effectively use GnuCash, and suggests
consulting additional resources on double entry accounting.
It does seem to me that the section starts from the very basics
Equity = Assets - Liabilities
but then doesn’t provide enough information about double entry
accounting to make use of the software. If one asks on this mailing
list people are generally very helpful, but at least some people feel
that they should not need to explain how to do double entry accounting
principles. Yet the manual does start like that.
However, if the manual started with “It is assumed that the reader
understands double entry accounting “, then 90% of people would just
uninstall the software.
As for including actual references, I have misgivings. Two huge
issues:
1. Who would decide on the titles that would be sanctioned for
inclusion?
Ask people for suggestions. Might I suggest
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Accounts-Demystified-Astonishingly-Simple-Accounting/dp/1292084847/
It’s in its 7th edition, so it is obviously selling well. It is not
written by an accountant. As someone wrote earlier, the ability to do
a job doesn’t imply the ability to teach the job. However, I must
admit I do have some reservations about the fact that the author is
not a qualified accountant. But the fact it has gone though multiple
editions, and sold millions of copies, suggests any significant errors
would have been bought to the attention of the author.
2. Who would monitor the literature to ensure that the list was
kept up to date?
Don’t know
Once you get into these issues, the idea becomes much more
challenging, and I'm not sure it would change anything in the long
run. People would just not read those books.
Some will, but I have a confession to make about the above book. I
bought a copy, read it a little, found it boring, so put it down. I
really don’t find the subject that interesting.
Then forget that I had it, so ordered a copy. One day I discovered
that I have two copies of the book, although one is an edition
previous to the other. 😂😂😂😂 I must make an effort to read it.
Adding a brief summary about PayPal/Venmo to the Using GnuCash
wiki page would at least give people who use these a source they
could consult to help set them up. It does seem to come up on the
lists somewhat frequently.
There’s no doubt that small businesses, which the software is aimed
at, often use PayPal. Large businesses, which is not what the software
is suitable for, will rarely accept PayPal.
I think some statements about how to handle fees when selling , as
charged by credit card companies, PayPal, Amazon, Alibaba etc would be
useful.
David T.
Dave.
--
Dr. David Kirkby,
Kirkby Microwave Ltd,
[email protected]
https://www.kirkbymicrowave.co.uk/
Telephone 01621-680100./ +44 1621 680100
Registered in England & Wales, company number 08914892.
Registered office:
Stokes Hall Lodge, Burnham Rd, Althorne, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 6DT,
United Kingdom
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