A better user manual. As a demonstration, I want to rewrite a few poor product user manuals or directions intended for a nontechnical audience. What user manuals or directions have driven you nuts and would benefit from a thorough rewrite?
posted by markcmyers on Aug 16, 2009 - 14 answers

I read that there was a 'leaked' copy of the EB Games employee handbook floating around the web a few years back, and it explained in some great detail about how to talk to customers and to push really hard on getting people to pre-order and so on. Despite my best efforts, I can't get Google to show it to me. Does anyone have a link to it (or a saved copy they're able to send me)? Also, as a side question; why do EB Games and similar video game retailers push so hard to try and get you to pre-order stuff? What's in it for them, other than a potential sale once the game is released?
posted by Effigy2000 on Dec 4, 2008 - 16 answers

I am a technical writer looking to improve my company's software manuals. I want to stay up to date with the latest technology documentation trends. Please leave comments on what you think some of the best manuals are for different software products and why. Basically, if you’ve ever read a software user manual and thought, “Wow! That was surprisingly easy to read…or helpful…or well organized…etc., then that is what we are looking for.
posted by JPowers on Aug 27, 2007 - 12 answers

I want to learn how to make simple electronics, like LED controllers that I can hook up to a serial port. Can anyone recommend a book to get started with? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by krunk on Aug 29, 2004 - 13 answers

LaptopRepairFilter: I need to remove the bezel on a Fujitsu Lifebook C-series (C-6530) to measure and replace the cold cathode lamps that have failed. I've Googled off and on for a few months now, looking for service or dis-assembly manuals, with no love to be found. (Much more inside) [more inside]
posted by loquacious on Jul 28, 2004 - 3 answers