Procedure How to Write a Manual!

[Robert Shelton]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com 
> [mailto:framers-bounces at lists.frameusers.com] On Behalf Of 
> Sharon Burton
> 
> This is easy. 14 steps: 
> 
> 1. Identify the audience
> 2. Identify the information needs of that audience (job aids, 
> user guides, and so on) 3. Identify the tasks the audience 
> needs to do 4. Identify the supporting info the audience 
> needs to do those tasks 5. Identify the best way to deliver 
> the information (PDF, help, others) 6. Create a plan that 
> layout all this information 7. Assign time estimates to the 
> plan 8. Decide what can be cut due to time limitations 9. 
> Start creating the information, adapting to the changing 
> product 10. Review by others 11. Make the review changes 12. 
> Build "gold" candidates 13. Deliver the finals 14. Archive 
> the finals, including all planning information
> 
> Of course, these steps include a lot of embedded steps and 
> domain knowledge in our field. But these are the steps. 

I think you skipped something important:

1. Hire a tech writer.

Bob
"Let what comes, come,
Let what goes, go,
Find out what remains."
Sri Ramana Maharshi