Guide Writing Dilemma

[Kitsun]

Ever wonder why there never seem to be any NEW guides written by the Gemstone population? Is it because the players no longer care about attracting other people to their profession? Do people not care about other players that are starting out? Or is it that the ones who wrote the guides were driven BLOODY MAD!

I wrote a Runestaff wielding Wizard guide and made a single post about it on the official boards. Its nothing fancy, it certainly isn't better than sliced bread. However it was written with the intent to give some guidance to players completely bewildered by this new mechanic.

In the following few days I've answered a bunch of emails and actually helped about 8 people through the entire process before the speedy skill migrator ran out. It drove me freaking batshit psycho after a while(You have no idea how many times I was asked how many ranks would be 1.5x for them. I would hate to be their waiter).

Most people were nice and extremely curtious, but I had to walk them through everything. The point of the guide was to not require the help of a live person. I asked for input on what could be re-written or re-worded, clarified, elaborated upon and got ZERO help. The guide, according to them, was flawless. But it still left them flowing with a seemingly endless tide of questions. I don't understand where the gap exists.

I've been helped by guides in the past. They've been extremely useful. I usually read a slew of them to get a good idea of where I was headed and tried it out for myself. I'd like to return the favor.

So this is my problem. If I release these and get inundated with pleas for help, in no time at all, I'm going to end up sounding like a grumpy old jackass for telling people to piss off. But I would like to release it so that it can help those that really want the help from it.

Should I just release it under an alias? This doesn't let me get some feedback to try to improve upon it. Should I test the limits of my sanity? I don't like this one. Should I scrap it and let everyone fend for themselves like they have been doing?

[HarmNone]

What you might do is release the guide, ask for constructive criticism and input, and add a caveat making it clear that you will not hand-hold anybody. I cannot promise it will work but, at least, you have told people where you stand. ;)

HarmNone

[Soulpieced]

I only give advice to either friends or people who truly seem new to the game.

[Artha]

Just make it idiot proof.

Ex: To find out what would be 1.5x for your level, simply get a calculator and multiply your level by 1.5

[CrystalTears]

Write the guide, and I hate to sound like a doombringer, but don't mention any way that you can be contacted for questions. Once you have people asking you questions constantly about what you wrote, you'll never have a moment's peace.

Tsoran was great with his spreadsheet and maps, but I can only imagine how much feedback and questions he must get about the littlest thing. It would seriously drive me to drink. I honestly don't know why he keeps doing it.

[Latrinsorm]

When they start asking the questions, just keep track of them, and make a FAQ section. Followed by a WTDFAQ, if the problems persist.

[Tsoran]

Originally posted by CrystalTears
Write the guide, and I hate to sound like a doombringer, but don't mention any way that you can be contacted for questions. Once you have people asking you questions constantly about what you wrote, you'll never have a moment's peace.

Tsoran was great with his spreadsheet and maps, but I can only imagine how much feedback and questions he must get about the littlest thing. It would seriously drive me to drink. I honestly don't know why he keeps doing it.

The flip side is that if people can't contact you, they can't point out mistakes or changes. Stuff changes constantly around here.

Only tip I have for a guide: put a date prominently at the front of the guide. One of my pet peeves is 8 year old guides that people take as the word of God. Of course, they're horribly obsolete and wrong, but without a publishing date, it's impossible to know that unless you already are familiar with the subject matter.

[Askip]

<< I had to walk them through everything. The point of the guide was to not require the help of a live person. >>

You probably had many more people who did understand your guide than did not, but there is always a group of folks who need or want their hands held.

I've answered the doorbell in Silverwood Manor many times, and some days it can be the same person a dozen times - it could be comprehension problems or laziness on their part, and not a problem with the guide.

You'll need to decide whether you want to let folks contact you, or perhaps just direct them to the official BBS (or here) for questions and clarifications. However, it's inevitable that there will be questions, no matter how well a guide is written.

Askip

[DeV]

As many guides as Ive read the only contact Ive ever had with the creator was to compliment and thank them for putting something out there that is meant to help. I think you should have questions directed to a message board or forum so you wont be answering the same questions over and over. Or, include a FAQ file with the guide with general questions that people have already asked.

[Mint]

Originally posted by Kitsun
Should I just release it under an alias? This doesn't let me get some feedback to try to improve upon it. Should I test the limits of my sanity? I don't like this one. Should I scrap it and let everyone fend for themselves like they have been doing?

If you do release something please share the link here. I am fairly new and there is so much confusing and contradictory information out there to wade through.

[Kitsun]

Thanks for the input everyone.

Elraena offered to put up the guide so I'm sure she can get emailed all the wonderful questions heh.

I need to fidget with the armor training bit. I misunderstoof the information from the boards but got it cleared up here. I'll get her to put in a date next time I talk to her.

http://www.dreamharvest.com/GS/

Hope it helps.