Copying Spreadsheet Columns

[springer5]

(07-14-2015 09:46 AM)StephenG1CMZ Wrote:  Actually there are several reasons not to rush to delete those paragraphs:

from the developers point of view:
1 you might be deleting something you implement in a later version and have to retype.
2 you then have two documents and for most edits both must be edited, doubling the work.

Also, to answer the two specific points above, using your numbering..

1 in the case example I've given (android emulator) you don't have to 'retype' anything, you just delete it, and if many months, or even years later (the main calc is already developed over 2 plus years now), or even if at all, you decide to add the feature you just copy/paste it back in from either the main calc docs or more sensibly, a master copy. This is basic, simple work.

Software such as GitHub and other equivalents are specifically designed to help developers manage these 'multiple version' situations. This can very easily include documentation as well as code.

2 yes, you will end up with two docs. That's because you've got 2 products!!!
Each with slightly different features to the other. The help files should reflect that. So there SHOULD be more work. You're increasing what you're selling and making more money as a result.

In most other products the manual will clearly state differences between models at the very least (in the way you pointed out yourself), or will be individual to each product, depending on how significant the differences are.
It must be at least as much 'hassle' for them as HP could claim, but they know it's all part of providing a good product.

The HP developers are simply 'copping out' of finishing the manuals properly. Haven't heard anything so far that indicates otherwise.

The software business in particular is notorious for this shoddy attitude compared with almost any other 'manufacturing' industry, and the reasons provided to defend it here, have, ironically, only served to confirm it.