If the content isn't good, don't bother

A link at InfoDesign points to the Gerry McGovern article Words Make Your Website a Success. I'm thrilled that site designers are coming around to the idea that "content" really does matter. But, taken outside of the website context, there is an important message for help authors, especially in the current climate where re-purposing, single-source, and other tools issues take up so much time:

"You simply can't automate the creation of quality content. Someone, somewhere, has to write the stuff. If they're not good at their job, the whole process becomes, not just redundant, but counter-productive.

Poor content damages your reputation, reduces productivity, reduces profitability, and damages shareholder value. If you're not going to do it well, don't do it at all."

Posted: October 17, 2002 link to this item, Tweet this item, respond to this item