Zen and the art of Help files

I’ve finally received my copy of Garr Reynolds’ excellent book, “Presentation Zen“. This book is about creating better, clearer presentations in a Zen-like frame of mind. If you have seen any of my presentations, then you’ll know I prefer his photo-image style to the bullet point style that is more commonly used. I would argue… Read more »

Quote of the month

We’ve just received this nice testimonial from a client: “I had some basic instructions for my new online application, Opportunity Matrix™, but absolutely no idea how to turn them into a proper help system. Carol at Cherryleaf was able to take my rough notes and turn them into a professional Help file. She worked through… Read more »

Why does this project manager have so many lines on his face?

Notice the man’s wrinkles. What have past software development projects done to him? Maybe this time it will be different. Maybe this time he can sleep knowing the users will get the documentation they expect. Because maybe this time he’ll use a technical author. Cherryleaf works with developers of software helping them ensure they have… Read more »

Poor documentation helps land Microsoft with a $1.35bn fine

Arjuna Krishna Das posted a link to an Information Week article on Microsoft’s fine from the European Union. http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206900497 “Specifically, the EC ruled that Microsoft was overcharging rivals for the documentation they need to make their server products interoperable with Windows-based PCs and servers. The decision was upheld last year by Europe’s second highest court…. Read more »