Hi Andy,
In a first stage it will be a manual. Take into account that we are speaking of 70 tools, and there will be more this Winter. In a second revision I'll include practical usage examples of selected tools. This is going to be a job done by successive approximations.
I know this is the digital age and print is going the way of the dodo but if this manual lives up to expectations, I will be getting it printed to read over and over as needed.....
I also love printed manuals. In a future version the documentation compiler will generate PostScript output, which can be easily converted into PDF files. This is not a priority now, but I definitely have it in the medium-term to-do list.
Juan,
Thank you for your response and the good information.
In this age of "instant gratification" it is sometimes easy to overlook the practical logistics involved in creating something like PI, especially when we tend to think every "company" as this huge corporation with tons of staff and resources. I think most folks would be surprised at how many companies are really just comprised of a few people working out of their homes/garage/small office/etc. In just creating, revising, and polishing the software to its current state is no mean feat and it has been given its due in terms of attention and expertise. To do less on a practical manual would be a crime that I know you and the team would not commit.....it will be worth the wait I am sure but I may also wait to buy the software until such time as that practical manual is available.....I haven't decided yet.
On the one hand, I can keep muddling along and learn through trial and error and the documentation on the website/forum......but too me at least, that is rather cumbersome and in-efficient. (I still haven't gotten past the HTTP501 Error on Harry's site despite a fair amount of research but that is another issue & I only bring it up to speak to the cumbersome & in-efficient comments above). On the other hand, I do have other aspects of this astrophotography endeavor that I could concentrate on in lieu of actual image processing until such time as the practical manual(s) is(are) ready.
I understand, to some degree, what you are facing in that I manage the development of entire family of engine-powered (up to 750 hp) machines with microprocessor based electronic controls and we too develop the specification, then the machine including the controls, and finally the manual (one for the overall machine and one for the controls). The manuals are the last thing produced in a development project but are often the most critical item for our customers. We have even lost customers because of the lack of a relevant and accurate manual. A $250K machine is only so much scrap if our customer doesn't know how to use it, maintain it, and/or service it.
Back in the day (even 4-5 years ago), we used to develop machines and sell them to customers before the manual was developed or perhaps send them a manual that was "close enough". As I stated above, our customers were not happy. Now, we can't launch a new product unless the manual is finished and approved by engineering (me), quality, sales, and service. Such are the mandates when you are part of a large corporation (though we still don't have nearly enough staff). Fundamentally, we made the correct change in our practices/policies for our customers.
I only give you this summary as a point of reference and to share my feelings on PI. I like the software and recognize its potential and given enough time, I could learn it without a practical manual but in all honesty I shouldn't have to. I know you already know this and I know you are doing all you can to remedy the situation and when the practical manual does become a reality, it will likely be the best manual ever created because I don't believe you could produce the second best anything. I hope this doesn't come across as a rant or flame as that is not my intent. I am just a bit frustrated and wanted to express this novice's views. I truly do applaud what you have created even though I barely know any of its nuances.....I can recognize the potential.
Regards,
Andy
