Hard copy manuals have such a long lead time that they are nearly outdated by the time the first rolls off the press. Even if you use on demand printing with centers in geographically advantageous locations the time lag and expense is prohibitive.
A PDF copy eliminates the printing and shipping costs, but it still takes a staff to write, proof, assemble, and distribute. It's a compromise that is less expensive than printed manuals but much more expensive than no manual. I have seen errata files available to update harcopy books, but have never seen one included with each version or update of a program. A changelog (text file that summarizes the changes made in the update) is sometimes available, but it is very brief. I think a more important point is the studies showing that a huge majority of users never even looked at a manual. If it is a big expense that few use, it's hard to argue that it should be included at no cost to the consumer. I think that Millenia has it about right. The help system is quite robust including a what's new and links to video tutorials. A PDF manual is available for a reasonable price. Webinars are also available and recorded for those who can't attend live. There are more ways to learn the program and upgrades than I have time for! Don Hanson > -----Original Message----- > From: MikeFry [mailto:[email protected]] > Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 3:11 AM > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [LegacyUG] LEGACY 8 > > On 11 Mar 2014 09:56, Ron Bernier wrote: > > > The Military has bottomless pockets (i.e. Taxpayers) - I'm very sure > > that Legacy (Millennia Corp) does not have that same luxury. > > Millennia could adopt a slightly more user-friendly policy. > > a) Issue hardcopy at time of initial release and when a reprint is indicated > b) Issue PDF copy at initial release and at each major e.g. 8.1 release > c) Issue an Errata file (RTF or DOC or...) and include in each version. > > This last could be installed along with the program and accessed from the Help > menu. > > -- > Regards, > Mike Fry > Johannesburg (g) > > > > Legacy User Group guidelines: > http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp > Archived messages after Nov. 21 2009: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > Archived messages from old mail server - before Nov. 21 2009: > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > Online technical support: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Help.asp > Follow Legacy on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/LegacyFamilyTree) and on > our blog (http://news.LegacyFamilyTree.com). > To unsubscribe: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/LegacyLists.asp Legacy User Group guidelines: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Etiquette.asp Archived messages after Nov. 21 2009: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Archived messages from old mail server - before Nov. 21 2009: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Online technical support: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/Help.asp Follow Legacy on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/LegacyFamilyTree) and on our blog (http://news.LegacyFamilyTree.com). To unsubscribe: http://www.LegacyFamilyTree.com/LegacyLists.asp
