About the manual...

[stanlea]

I know that writing and rewriting the manual is a hard work, but there's something I'd like to be discussed. I don't like reading pdf's on the screen, so I usually print manuals, but with an important update almost evey month, it's difficult to have always the good manual. I think that partial manuals would be useful, just with the new features and the list of fixes. So the full manual could be updated, let's say... every year...

More, it would be very nice to have more tutorials on the main features, like the sequencer for instance.

[Vincent]

Hi Stanlea
We have almost the same pb!
Usine has been improved a lot since the last few months and the documentation has to be completely rewrote. Screenshots and text. A great pack of new great sophisticated features.
The matter is that Bsork and me are just like you: always discovering new things, trying to understand and find the best ways to use them! Senso is a killer, you know!
Since we have many other no-Usine things to do, we are not quick enough for you, well, specially me, as a matter of fact.
I have to finish the sequencer documentation as soon as possible; the sequencer feature is a great wonderful stuff and I'm glad to imagine you'll all use it for your music on stage.
Sorry for this tilme-lag! Meanwhile, ask your questions here, we'll do our best to help.
Last info: Usine is gonna be stabilized for a while with new improvements. Usiners will have more time to keep up usining!

[stanlea]

I agree with you. So that's why I suggest to split the manual in different parts, so one can focus on a specific topic. Vincent, your QuickStart is very well done. And I understand that there is a real life, where Usine can't feed most of people who works for it. So take your time and like they say "keep up the good work".

[bsork]

Hi, I think Stanlea is onto something with his suggestion of splitting the manual into different parts - especially if the rate of improvements and additions keep up!

To begin with, maybe the existing manual could be condensed into covering the basics together with Vincent's Quick Start and similar documents for the sequencer, scripts etc.

Details like description of the modules could for instance be put into a separate reference manual.

Initially something like this would of course create more work, but in the long run it would probably make updating the documentation easier and faster. Any comments?

[stanlea]

You must think about it from different user's point of view.
1. Quick Start is a must have to take a good start
2. Different didactics chapters built on the QuickStart model , for instance
how to play with live audio recordings, loops, etc.
how to built a sequence with integrated effects.
anatomy of some complex patches

3 A reference manual : commands by menus, etc.
4 A list of "ideas" : suggestions, tricks, etc

But it's your part, not mine, and it's a hard job.

[senso]

Hello,
The manual represents an important part of Usine development. I know that with all the updates, it's hard for you to find new informations.

We really spend a lot of time on manuals and I'm sorry to tell you that we can't do more...
I said "We" because Vincent helps me on the quick start.

Now Usine will be stabilized and it will be easier to create different versions as stanlea suggest.

Also, we are working on a French/German version of the quick start.

[neve]

Hi
I have Usine Free on my HD since several months, and never really got into it because i must admitt i fear a little bit the "modular approach" first steps.
I think a french version of the manual or quick start (along with two others things i'll ask in the appropriate threads) would really push me towards buying it.
Anyway, thank you Senso for having brought Usine to life : it is really an amazing piece of software (feature-wise, as fat as a newbie like me can see & understand !).

[senso]

The translation of the quickstart is in progress.