Tomasz, Here's an updated patch for Debian bug #154996 "useradd manpage could use some clarification" (http://bugs.debian.org/154996).
The patch I originally sent was for the groff man page. I've adapted it to the XML man page now. This patch also includes a replaceable string fix for BASE8DIR, if I'm correct. If applying (for 4.0.14 now), as usual, please notify us. --
--- useradd.8.xml 2005-10-10 22:42:44.055000369 +0200 +++ useradd.8.xml.new 2005-10-11 08:44:30.590954314 +0200 @@ -72,8 +72,8 @@ The default base directory for the system if <option>-d</option> dir is not specified. <replaceable>BASE_DIR</replaceable> is concatenated with the account name to define the home directory. - If the <option>-m</option> option is not used, base_dir must - exist. + If the <option>-m</option> option is not used, + <replaceable>BASE_DIR</replaceable> must exist. </para> </listitem> </varlistentry> @@ -89,7 +89,8 @@ login directory. The default is to append the <replaceable>LOGIN</replaceable> name to <replaceable>BASE_DIR</replaceable> and use that as the login - directory name. + directory name. The directory <replaceable>HOME_DIR</replaceable> + does not have to exist but will not be created if it is missing. </para> </listitem> </varlistentry>