Great suggestions, guys.
originally posted by palmer:
I have just one question... Where the hell were you seven years ago when I spent weeks researching, trolling the internet, and generally making a nuisance of myself on forums like this one with countless newbie questions?!?!? A document like this could have flattened my learning curve considerably.
- Seven years ago I was doing the same research that you were, and wishing that some central resource existed.
originally posted by palmer:
You may want to consider adding sections on DVR's and Media Server PC's as these become more mainstream.
The existing layout covers more equipment than just the major items listed in the TOC - things like DVR's, VCR's, media servers, game consoles, and universal remotes are mentioned under "Other Equipment" and also appear later. There is merit to giving some of these devices more attention, though, especially with new technology like Windows Vista and the AppleTV.
originally posted by palmer:
Fee or Free? Hmm... I dunno. Depends on how much time you spent developing it, how much effort you plan to spend keeping it up to date and of course, how many people would be willing to pay for it. If you do decide to charge for it, you would probably want to off era free download of the first chapter so potential buyers could get a sample and see if it is what they are looking for.
A compromise might be Free downloads but a PayPal link to make a 'suggested donation', as so many open source developers are doing nowadays. I use EAC to rip CD's and I happily made a donation to the author because the software is truly useful to me.
Your thoughts closely match mine...
originally posted by RCF051:
...have you thought about a "Basic Troubleshooting" section that might provide simple helpful hints (such as if there is no sound from one or more speakers, check the cables, etc.), solving a ground loop, etc.
While much of this is covered in places, there's not a single summary similar to those usually seen in user's manuals. There are certainly a few common issues that would be well served by this sort of thing.
originally posted by Jason J:My only addition would be a chapter on "Tweaks". I know I can get in trouble around here for saying something like that
but I think you possibly address topics such as power conditioning and acoustical treatment. Maybe you could call the chapter instead something like, "The Inevitable Upgradeitis - What comes next."
One thing that I've already done with the document is create a "technical sidebar" format - places where the document pauses and goes into extra detail on some technical issue of some sort, which a casual reader could safely skip without missing anything vital but still provides useful additional background on a particular subject. Both power conditioning and acoustical treatment deserve some mention, but rather than a separate chapter it may end up being as sidebars. On the other hand, a chapter dedicated to upgradeitis is sort of fun.
originally posted by Jason J:
As for payment, if you've invested this much time in such a document, then a small fee may be applicable. The problem, however, is that you know somebody will eventually post a copy online. It might be better if you instead include the document on a DVD/CD that includes some of the other tests that you've developed. That way you're selling an entire package and not just a document. Just a thought...
Now that is a fun idea: a DVD in a nice slim keepcase with the PDF file on it (accessible via a PC) and something like my DTD that could be played on your DVD player...
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