>The key is for those who RTFM - which sadly is rarely the case.
>
>> I last read the pubs many years ago when it was hardcopy - with
>> softcopy I typically read sections instead of cover to cover - another
>> failing of online pubs.
Having been involved with many publications over the years and being
somewhat interested in "how useful was it" discussions, I must agree with
those who think "real printed" publications are often more useful.
1. You do not need to sit in front of a screen to read them.
2. You can easily (with paper clips, fingers, etc) refer back and forth
between useful sections.
3. You can usually put your hands on the printed pub, whereas with all
the exotic network names, addresses, URLs, aliases, logons, passwords, and
so forth I have often been unable to find the same online material I was
trying to read last week.
4. While it is difficult to prove this, I have found that many people
tend to remember better those tidbits they read on "real" paper.
5. I sometimes make little notes on a paper page.
6. Like others who have made comments, I almost NEVER read a full pub
online. I might not fully read a printed pub, but I often scan ("flip
through") the whole thing -- just to find material that "catches my eye."
7. Many manuals (mostly z/OS related materials) have grown MUCH larger
(or they might start out this way!) There are some odd economic and
management aspects to this. Real printed material cost $$$ to produce and
distribute and there can be some effort made to better control the amount of
text (i.e, the number of pages) involved. Online material costs almost
nothing to distribute and, believe it or not, more text can mean less
editing/management involved. In many cases, the number of pages produced
might be indirectly reflected in salaries and promotions.
8. The growing sizes often makes it difficult ($$) to actually print a
PDF.
9. Feedback from users can be more effective for "real" printed manuals,
especially when the authors' names are included.
My $0.02, if it is worth that much!
Bill Ogden
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