Missing Docs (was Re: File transfers)

[rubywand@swbell.net]

Nathan Mates writes ...
> 
> ....
> Looks like the developers of the
> hardware and software don't bundle enough documentation. [X-Files
> conspiracy freaks can find the long arm of the help book publishers
> behind this, I just chalk it up to laziness]
> 

     Probably, so-- the missing docs syndrome comes down to laziness plus 
the extra dollar or so to print a few sheets and, in the case of Apple II 
hardware, a delusion that someone is going to steal your design.

     Releasing products like Zip-GSX and RamFAST without schematics, 
firmware listings, and a thorough 'how it works' description is a clear 
'shooting ones self in the foot' situation.

     On the one hand the vendor is the stuck with locating bugs and 
making all changes and testing them. Once the product or an update is 
released, the vendor is saddled with being the exclusive supplier of 
technical assistance to frustrated users.

     Meanwhile, the vendor misses out on 

1. valuable input from II users who would, for free, develop and publish 
fixes and upgrades which could be incorporated in revisions

2. increased sales resulting from publicity and user perception that the 
product is widely supported

3. good will and ready acceptance of other products.



Rubywand