On 11/23/2010 02:50 PM, Ian Lynch wrote: > On 23 November 2010 21:25, Andy Brown <a...@the-martin-byrd.net> wrote: > >> On Tue Nov 23 2010 12:36:35 GMT-0800 (PST) Robert Derman wrote: >> >> Assuming that it is, I think the primary users manual should focus on >>> Writer, with just one chapter on each of the other modules, and a pointer to >>> where to download a more extensive manual on each. Where I disagree with >>> most who write in, is that I think that a basic manual like I describe >>> *should be in the download package*. In order to keep it small for that >>> reason, it should be in ODF format not PDF, and it should be formatted for >>> an 8.5x11 page rather than the usual 5x7 so that it would be practical for >>> the user to print out without the horrendous paper waste of the 5x7 format. >>> (Remember all printer paper comes in 8.5x11 or similar) Also keeping it to >>> 100 pages or less will both keep the download size down, and encourage users >>> to actually print a hard copy. (a hard copy is very useful because you can >>> read in the manual while using the software) I find help often less than >>> helpful simply because it can be difficult to both read how to do a thing >>> and simultaneously do it. I recognize that a much longer and more >>> detailed manual is required to completely cover subjects like Styles, but >>> for all beginners, and most other users a manual like I just described is >>> what's needed. Probably organized with an introduction to the most used >>> commands, then a tutorial, then a reference section. >>> >> >> There are two of your points I would like to comment on. >> >> First, use ODF instead of PDF. If a person wishes to view the installation >> part of the document before they install the software then they are out of >> luck. >> >> Second, where do you get the idea that the documents are formated to 5x7 >> paper size? None of the documents I have seen have been formated for that >> size paper. All the docs from the OOoAuthors site are in fact formated for >> paper size A4. The PDFs can be printed two-up on 8.5x11 paper. >> >> > There are some good manuals for OOo - Gabriel Gurley's "A conceptual Guide > to OpenOffice.org 3" and the OpenOffice.org Authors publications. However, I > think what is needed is an on-line tutorial system that leads to > certification. That is really what we will be aiming at with the LO > certification that we are meeting about in Berlin. If we can get EU funding, > we can produce an on-line tutorial system for each of the components of LO > in several languages with links to screen casts to demonstrate how to do > things. Link those to the assessment criteria and you have a fully supported > learning system. There is then the possibility of linking the LO help system > to this. Make it free for all to use but charge people who need > certification a small amount for the certification part and you have an > income to make it sustainable and to contribute back for development.
I think I like this proposal of yours. Basically, you're saying the training is free, but the certification costs. That would definitely make it accessible to people like me. -- Unsubscribe instructions: E-mail to discuss+h...@documentfoundation.org Archive: http://www.documentfoundation.org/lists/discuss/ *** All posts to this list are publicly archived for eternity ***
