ubuntu-manual team mailing list archive

[Benjamin Humphrey <humphreybc@xxxxxxxxx>]

Excellent work Thorsten, well done!

On Mon, Feb 1, 2010 at 10:10 AM, Thorsten Wilms <t_w_@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Hi!
>
> Assembled from Saturday's meeting and tweaked a bit:
>
>
> Target Audience
> ===============
>
> Note: Data is better then guesswork. Guesses are better than being
> aimless or working with hidden assumptions (where everyone might have
> his own set).
>
> Short description: Pragmatic novice computer users.
>
> Background / prior knowledge:
>  * Readers must be able to get to our document, so the most basic
> computer skills can and have to be expected (being handed a printout
> made by someone else is unlikely to become a common case).
>  * Prior exposure to Windows is likely. To Mac OS much less so.
>  * Might start without knowing much or anything about Linux and Ubuntu.
>  * Likely to not have a good conceptual model of the computer and
> software, e.g. not differentiating between a browser and the Internet or
> being aware of specific pieces of hardware.
>
> Mindset:
>  * Just get things done, using the computer is no end in itself.
>
> Common interests / tasks:
>  * Email
>  * Web browsing
>  * Instant messaging
>  * Watch videos
>  * Read and write letters and documents
>  * Viewing and editing Photos (organising as a consequence)
>  * Listen to Music (also collect, buy, organise)
>  * Printing
> Audio and video editing, vector graphics and 3D would widen the scope
> too much.
>
> Age:
>  * We have anecdotes of people reaching up to 80 years of age starting
>   out with a computer.
>  * Up to about 25: unlikely to have the patience to read documentation,
>   preferring exploration and/or asking friends and siblings.
>   Alternatively well versed using Google or using forums.
>  * Assume a peak of potential users in the range of 30 to 60 years of
>   age.
>  * Poll on age at http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=8113928.
>   Overlap between forum users and potential readers is unclear.
>
> Gender:
>  * No reason to expect a significant skew, just think about both.
>
>
> Context
> =======
>
> Readers might consult the manual before or after installing (or having
> it be installed) Ubuntu.
>
> Where might readers find the document or be made aware of it:
>  * As part of the distribution itself, if we are very successful
>   * Being mentioned in the installation slideshow
>  * ubuntu.com, if we are successful
>  * Ubuntu download page
>  * Announcement on digg, twitter ...
>  * "Read this first" thread on the forum
>  * Our own website, eventually
>  * Found via Google
>  * Provided by the nice person who helped with the computer
>
> Besides a PDF, there shall also be a HTML version.
>
> The look of Ubuntu 10.04 will be part of the context. However, audience
> and message for the official Ubuntu presentation are unknown, providing
> no reason for a strong tie-in. The Ubuntu logo and traditional color use
> are all the cues we can take.
>
>
> Tone and Message
> ================
>
> What style/tone should we aim for, what should be the message both about
> our document and Ubuntu?
>
> We are:
>  * Competent
>  * Friendly
>  * Respectful
>  * Goal oriented
>  * Serious
>
> Ubuntu is:
>  * Solid, secure, trustworthy
>  * Capable
>  * Easy to use
>  * Empowering
>  * About community (altruistic and pragmatic aspects)
>  * About FLOSS (an ideal with clear benefits but also points of
> conflict)
>
> Don't try to be witty, it doesn't translate well. Avoid marketing speak
> and being judgemental.
>
> Simple language. This document is from everyday people for everyday
> people
>
> Also see:
> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-manual/StyleGuide#Voice
>
> ------------------------------------------
>
> Up next: 2 title proposals with pros/cons.
>
>
> --
> Thorsten Wilms
>
> thorwil's design for free software:
> http://thorwil.wordpress.com/
>
>
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>



-- 
Benjamin Humphrey

Ubuntu Manual Project Leader
Dunedin, New Zealand

https://wiki.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-manual
www.interesting.co.nz