Re: Totally Weird Error + a rant
Many will object, but in my opinion, the best way to distribute manuals is electronically; a PDF version of the manual, or some other online help installed when the software is installed. When you install an update, updated help files are also installed. Apple has been doing this for several years, shipping only a brief installation pamphlet with the software install disks. And if something's not covered in the online help, it can (usually) be found on their website. I like it. Dantz was a little slow on the draw with their 4.2 update. The online help wasn't ready when the software was, so there was a bit of a delay in getting that out. Next time, let's hope they've got their i's dotted their t's crossed have everything ready for simultaneous release. -- David G. Thornton Mac Systems Manager CCL Label, Sioux Falls, SD e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] The mark of a good Network Manager is that they know exactly what the source of all their network problems are since they create them all. chuck goolsbee Paper and printing are expensive. I can understand SW companies not wanting to consign warehouse-loads of manuals to the trash due to incorrect version numbers. Conventional metal-plate offset printing isn't economical for short print runs. How about an adhesive label with the version number, applied at shipping time? Alternatively, there are lots of short-run "on demand" printing workflows using digital presses (such as Indigo) to circumvent precisely this problem, which everyone who produces tech manuals has to face. Sheila Loring wrote: I've noticed this problem with software manuals, CD cases, and boxes. Software companies fail to realize that their attempt to save money by reusing manual covers, cases, and boxes for each release results in user frustration. Many times, they'd rather save a buck than help make information easy for their users to find. Retrospectors, clipped . . And for my rant. I have all the manuals of Retrospect going back to version 2 and I have three servers so this makes a few manuals on my bookshelf. Why can't Dantz label their manuals with the current version? All the manuals do not have version numbers for the app. The way I figure them out is the copyright year in front of the manual. -- -- To subscribe:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives:http://list.working-dogs.com/lists/retro-talk/ Problems?: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Totally Weird Error + a rant
Hi folks, We always appreciate feedback, and that's a great product of the retro-talk list. We get to hear the good and bad from our customers who care. I don't think anyone is on this list to "give Dantz a hard time;" we're here because we count on Retrospect to protect computer information, and retro-talk helps us get the most out of the software. That said, I'd like to comment on a few earlier posts... Many will object, but in my opinion, the best way to distribute manuals is electronically; a PDF version of the manual, or some other online help installed when the software is installed. Retrospect Express ships with a short getting started guide (with everything you need to know for a complete backup and restore) and an entire manual in PDF. Full Retrospect, starting with 4.2, ships with the Retrospect User's Guide in both paper and digital form. Dantz was a little slow on the draw with their 4.2 update. The online help wasn't ready when the software was, so there was a bit of a delay in getting that out. Next time, let's hope they've got their i's dotted their t's crossed have everything ready for simultaneous release. Perhaps. However, we said we'd ship on a certain date, and 4.2 fixed a problem with OS 9 and all removable cartridge drives. If I was one of the folks in that boat, I'd rather not wait while the updated help files held back the software I needed to successfully backup and restore. How about an adhesive label with the version number, applied at shipping time? We have used adhesive labels on the box and shrink wrap, but stickering the manuals is more expensive than printing them with the version number on the manual, *which is now the case*. All 4.2 and later manuals have the version number listed clearly on the spine. I've noticed this problem with software manuals, CD cases, and boxes. Software companies fail to realize that their attempt to save money by reusing manual covers, cases, and boxes for each release results in user frustration. Many times, they'd rather save a buck than help make information easy for their users to find. We agree. That's why Retrospect's version number is plainly visible on our packaging, CD, and (now) manual. The part number also contains the version number, so that distributors and resellers can tell what they're ordering/selling without seeing the box. And for my rant. I have all the manuals of Retrospect going back to version 2 and I have three servers so this makes a few manuals on my bookshelf. Stop the insanity! Recycle those old manuals! ;-) So how are we doing? Better? Have a good day, y'all. Eric Ullman Dantz Development -- -- To subscribe:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives:http://list.working-dogs.com/lists/retro-talk/ Problems?: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Totally Weird Error + a rant
Stefan Jeglinski [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Can we purchase a 4.2 manual for a nominal price? Great question--I should have covered that. If you determine that the PDF manual included with the downloaded update is not sufficient, manuals may be purchased from our customer service department by calling 1.800.225.4880 or 1.925.253.3000. They are available for $20. Eric Ullman Dantz Development P.S. Thanks for the nice comments, Stefan. We're glad you think so. -- -- To subscribe:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives:http://list.working-dogs.com/lists/retro-talk/ Problems?: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Totally Weird Error + a rant
Travis Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: No! I still have not gotten a response to my REAL problem, just alot of discussion on the manuals. =-) The problem went away but I am curious as to what would have caused it... =) I notice that Matthew has answered Travis' question, however, this is a good time to remind everyone that the retro-talk list is *not* an official means of contacting Dantz Technical Support. Phone calls and emails sent directly to technical support receive priority. Matthew gladly responds to retro-talk posts as his availability permits. Technical support may be reached directly by the following means: Phone: 1.925.253.3050 Web: http://www.dantz.com/index.php3?SCREEN=tech_form Thanks. Eric Ullman Dantz Development -- -- To subscribe:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives:http://list.working-dogs.com/lists/retro-talk/ Problems?: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
