#1
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Instructions
Has anyone besides me noticed that the instructions on Estes kits today require very little reading? They are mostly pictures. Does this reflect on people not being able to understand written instructions? I really only have the Honest John and Little Joe II to go by.
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#2
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It's more trying to be multi-lingual without making things pages and pages long or needing a bunch of different versions of the same kit in inventory. Even still I have seen two sets of instructions - three or four languages each - in recent kits.
I like the older, wordier approach, but I know what it takes to create those, too. It's not as straightforward as it looks.
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Bernard Cawley NAR 89040 L1 - Life Member SAM 0061 AMA 42160 KG7AIE |
#3
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Some guy recently complained my english only instructions with mostly words weren't as good as Estes. First time in 4 decades. So this Estes thing is a trend. Yes it is to be multilingual.
To sell a product in Canada it must include both English and French. Other jurisdictions have similar regulations. I wonder how many countries total they sell into? |
#4
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I work for a cancer diagnostics company, and our external product information (package inserts) has to be translated into 22 languages. Not so for our service/internal information since the global "standard" for the company is English. Our technical writers insist (rightfully so, I now agree) that we write for 5th grade English level...on my side of the house where it's mostly medical/scientific documentation, that creates some heartburn: what fifth grader can explain the molecular interaction of a chimerized monoclonal antibody against an extracellular domain of epidermal growth factor receptor? The writers ironically LOVE it when we can use pictographic elements instead of text (I gleefully remind them that once we remaster hieroglyphics, their days are numbered!).
It bothered me quite a bit in the beginning, because it DID feel like it was "dumbing down" the science, but after meeting many of the people we support, I get it...I sure couldn't read anything that technical in a language I didn't speak fluently! |
#5
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I like the OLD way Estes instructions were. NOT the overly-pic-heavy new ones.
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When in doubt, WHACK the GAS and DITCH the brake !!! Yes, there is such a thing as NORMAL, if you have to ask what is "NORMAL" , you probably aren't ! Failure may not be an OPTION, but it is ALWAYS a POSSIBILITY. ALL systems are GO for MAYHEM, CHAOS, TURMOIL, FIASCOS, and HAVOC ! |
#6
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Not to mention that it has ruined some of the fun of the hobby. Would the Red Maxx have been as big a seller if the instructions were on a par with the Alpha's instructions of the same period?
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Bernard J. Herman Ohio RLS Starport Sagitta Rockets email bherman@sagittarockets.com NAR # 97971 SR What's your idea on the best way to change Washington D.C.? Let us know at the Cantina Sagitta Cantina We're looking for a few good Catos, please tell us about any you may have had. Survey of Anecdotal Malfunctioning Engines or S.A.M.E. |
#7
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I do clear illustrations and detailed descriptions. It's what the people want.
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#8
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Quote:
The little molecule balls bounce around all fast and get all hot and stuff. |
#9
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Right On! Yours look incredibly well thought out. Great graphics, too. I need to order a Plan Pak, I keep forgetting ... I love the old Estes instructions, and the little square boxes so I felt a sense of accomplishment as I proceeded thru the build. Semroc had very good instructions. I can only assume that the tradition continues with eRockets.
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Lee Reep NAR 55948 Projects: Semroc Saturn 1B, Ken Foss Designs Mini Satellite Interceptor In the Paint Shop: Nothing! Too cold! Launch-Ready: Farside-X, Maxi Honest John, Super Scamp |
#10
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Quote:
Your are so right Bernard. Carl spent far more time doing the instructions than the build/test process. That was always the delay in getting new kits out (usually right before we were to leave for NARAM or NARCOM). Very hectic!! |
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