The importance of readme/manual

[GLM4475]

The idea behind this thread is simple. It's just that sometimes many people often ask for help for any troubles/problems occurred during playing games/softwares in online forums, which most of the times the solutions/troubleshootings are listed on the readme/manual/help included. Had they read the readme/manual before using the software, they would not have to ask other people. A readme/manual usually mentions these:

• System Requirements
• Warranty/License agreement (or you can find this during the installation)
• "Thanks for buying" message
• Overview of the game/software
• Basic explanation of the menus/tabs/buttons
• FAQs
• Support contact

Strangely, despite the important informations given in a readme/manual, many people seems to ignore it. Surely they can get many advices/helps to their problems online. But I think it's more wise if we read the readme/manual before using the software.

 

Some softwares maybe doesn't include a readme/manual in its purchase/download package so they have to search online for help though. 

[Kaguya]

No "never" option for how often I read a readme, so I went with rarely.

[SilverLi]

I am reading the "ReadMe" manual if the game is a VN. If it is a standard tripple A game I am never opening that file. A readme file from a developer is not interesting at all. But if it is from someone translating and doing an English patch I am following it to stupidity. And probably punching a wall when it still doesn't work.

[Eclipsed]

Kills trees if we talking paper manuals. Just follow the hip trend of putting everything online on a support page so ppl can look up if they need one

[Darklord Rooke]

I am reading the "ReadMe" manual if the game is a VN. If it is a standard tripple A game I am never opening that file. A readme file from a developer is not interesting at all.

 

Back in the day, the manuals for games were glorious. I weep for the new generation who never got to experience that awesomeness

 

[SilverLi]

Kills trees if we talking paper manuals. Just follow the hip trend of putting everything online on a support page so ppl can look up if they need one

[GLM4475]

No "never" option for how often I read a readme, so I went with rarely.

I intentionally omit that option for a reason. I think you know it.

[Zakamutt]

Ideally, no manual should ever be required. There's not really much else to say to be honest... I do read TL and patch notes though, and used to actually read manuals back in the day lel.

[firecat]

well the reason we put it there is because we know that people will pirate the game. most of the time time pirates don't visit the forum since they always read the manual or just google it/ ask people.

[Satsuki]

Readme? Is it edible? 

[mjriedstra]

If a game/product is well designed, in the modern era, a readme is probably redundant. That said, for very complex games, having an easy-access reference is indispensable. Nowadays it's usually in the form of some in-game reference screens or codex rather than an out-of-game file, but it should exist in some form somewhere.

[Abyssal Monkey]

Back in the day, the manuals for games were glorious. I weep for the new generation who never got to experience that awesomeness

 

Jealousy ensues.  I never got a chance to pick that one up.  I have the original BG disk laying somewhere around the house though.  I also have craploads of manuals from console games.  Like, too many to count.

[monkeysrumble]

Manuals can be a beautiful thing and you can do some really cool stuff with them.

As for readmes you can fit a lot of useful information in them so I guess I read them depending on the product.

 

I don't really see much of a reason for people to get rid of them, it's either going to help someone or not do anything at all. Just by giving the option to read it you'll probably help somebody. 

[GLM4475]

Readme? Is it edible? 

Just put some seasonings on top of it, and you'd be able to eat it. Put some sugars if you prefer it sweet.