Topic: ALL SI Models - Have the manual written by fishermen (users)

[steelebob]

Model:	ALL SI Models
Suggested Upgrade:	Have manual written by fishermen (users)
Explanation:	Too many manuals are written by tech people in all areas of the marketplace and are NOT user friendly. If you have newer and seasoned fishermen have input in the writing, it will breath a new insight into how to use info in a more real world manner. Word will get around of how easy the product is to use and be more desirable to the new buyer.
Added in Software Version:
Comments on Update:

[George]

Bob

I feel that a lot of what we see in the manuals are written either by boaters, fisherman, and divers.  Many of the forums have HB reps on it not just to help us, but to gather information on improving the products which includes the manuals.

The easier the manuals are to read the more works has to go into it.  Writing any document takes a lot of work so that (most) everyone can understand it.  HB's and Lowrance's manual are easy reading, some areas are a little more technical but still readable with a little work.

And yes improvements can always be made and what is good for one person is not necessarily good for another,  in the end making changes/improvements have to be made with caution.

George     

[steelebob]

Do you feel this or do you know this to be true. My point is not that it is too technical but that it is not written with the reader in mind, but with just getting the facts out in black and white. The brevity of details, the assumptions made and lack of clear explanations makes me doubt it very much!!!

One other thing that bugs the h*ll out of me is the simple fact that EVERY-TIME they have a "note" like ....see such and such for more details ----they don't even have the courtesy to give you the PAGE NUMBER where that info is located!

[sonar2000]

Heres is what I have told people for years about manuals.    Read the manual like a novel. That is front to back. Do not get stuck in details....... rather become familiar with what and where in the novel information is presented.
Then go back and take small steps in finding information..
Then start to set up and make the device work... Now you will know where to look for specific information.
Yes....I also agree if a note references another page in the book then include it...

Chuck

[steelebob]

I agree, sonar2000 about reading most manuals that way. I'm just a voice in the wilderness, I guess.

[sonar2000]

SteeleBob, you are not alone. With things today being very technical, instead of the old days when you just turned the device on and it worked, we now have to have a two year technical degree to make things work...
Computers started this crazy thing and now every thing is a  computer.
Heck, just try to work on your car today..
Still, I feel that a short session of reading the manual like a novel will make the rest of the learning a breeze..
Hang in there buddy and if you get stuck just ask...Or search......
Chuck

[steelebob]

 Thanx Chuck