TMG-L Archives

Archiver > TMG > 2011-05 > 1305557749


From: Rick Van Dusen <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] v8 Help (was Price for V8)
Date: Mon, 16 May 2011 07:55:49 -0700
References: <20115141437.541700@Terry> <4DCF038C.6090000@gmail.com><BANLkTin4qMwZC0V4irQHy=cNygo3Nspvuw@mail.gmail.com><201105150218.p4F2IoLj016430@mail.rootsweb.com><000a01cc12fe$cb24c700$616e5500$@rr.com><B405961A2B0845D2A8803D53E92ADA44@CharlieXXI> <BANLkTinPEt-tHaJDBY2yjdHSQSmzDjOgOw@mail.gmail.com> <3BA582547DF74330B8D77809D25FBBF8@CharlieXXI> <4DD02A2D.8020701@gmail.com><001f01cc13ce$5eb85070$1c28f150$@net>
In-Reply-To: <001f01cc13ce$5eb85070$1c28f150$@net>


Teresa Elliott wrote:
> Rick,
>
> It is my assumption that Whollygenes already does that in the form of
> updates to TMG. For instances V7 had 7.01, 7.02, 7.03 and finally 7.04. I
> don't know of any changes they made to the help file in each of those
> versions (if any), but the way to keep both the program and the help file up
> to date is to keep TMG up to date.

I would assume the same. The only thing I'm suggesting different from
that (if it's different) is that the odd update could happen which
updates *only* the Help file, should that be the only update needed. And
for all I know, this is already the practice. My main point here was
that, as we look at alternatives for guidance (starting with the
question about the User Guide), the Help file can be updated; there's
not really a limit to that.


> I'd think it would be better to update the program help, and download that
> with dialup, over going online to search a wiki every time I needed to
> access the help file. But then we no longer have dialup (thank goodness)
> and so I can't say which would be more time efficient. For me, I use TMG a
> lot at the library that doesn't have internet that I can access with wifi.
> So having the help file in the program is more efficient to me than a wiki
> then.

The advantage to any form of online help is that, at least
theoretically, it's totally current, as opposed to a help file which
could be weeks, months, or even years old.

The advantage of a local help resource is that it's always available.

The advantage of a Wiki or similar is that the users as a group don't
have to wait for the vendor to get around to updating a help resource
(much more of an issue with, say, M$, than with WG).


>
> Not opposed to a wiki, if Whollygenes wanted to write one, just content with
> the current help file in 7.0 and expecting to feel the same way about 8.0.

Repeating that in my experience, the TMG Help file for v7.0.4 is one of
the best I've encountered, in my Windows experience all the way back
through 3.1. Yes, I've also been content with it.


> I am sure if someone had something they thought would make the help file
> easier to read, whollygenes would be glad to hear it.

I have no doubt you're right about this. My comments/suggestions to
which you've replied were not addressing any problem I'm aware of, but
addressing the comments already made in the thread, not the least of
which the issue of what, if anything, a Wiki could contribute. I'm not
saying that what we've had so far is perfect, but neither am I saying
that any significant change is needed; just discussing the suggested
options.


>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [mailto:] On Behalf
> Of Rick Van Dusen
> Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2011 2:32 PM
> To:
> Subject: Re: [TMG] v8 Help (was Price for V8)
>
> My experience with the v7 Help is that it's one of the best/most helpful
> Help files I've ever used. So I have no problem with relying on the Help
> file in v8, at least as the first place to look.
>
> Notwithstanding, we've discussed here some errors and unclear spots.
> Therefore, I see an advantage in WG providing regular updates to the
> Help file over the life of the version.
>
> Excellent point about Web connection: Less than convenient for those who
> use dialup. A bother for those who do TMG on a non-networked computer.
> Unpredictable for travelers.
>
> Some scheme of having an online help that can be downloaded might reduce
> the number of users whose access is limited.
>
> As to the editing of a Wiki, that can be controlled to a large extent by
> the Wiki's administrator. To edit Wikipedia, one must register, and
> edits are tracked so there's no anonymous editing. Not sure of the
> specifics of other Wikis, but certainly WHO can edit can be regulated
> and WHAT can be edited can be regulated. Seems to me HOW editing happens
> should be regulate-able (like maybe users can only add comments at the
> end of a subject, not actually edit).
>
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