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Computer Users Expect Screencasts for New Software

Posted by pshapiro | Wednesday, October 03, 2007 10:21 AM PT

I was very happy to see this quality, detailed screencast for Sandvox, a new Macintosh web site building program. If a company has gone to the trouble of designing a software program, but hasn't taken the trouble to create a screencast about the program, then they are apt to lose me as a customer. Seeing is believing.

And I don't want to see a screencast that is just a multimedia press release. I want to learn something in the screencast. I favor screencasts that are longer rather than shorter. If it's interesting, I'll continue watching. If the screencast doesn't hold my attention, I'll go do something else with my time.

The best of all worlds is to offer users a shorter overview screencast and a longer, more detailed one. And make sure your screencast is easily found from the front page of your web site. I almost missed seeing the above screencast.


Phil Shapiro

The blogger has been working to bridge the digital divide for 20 years in the Washington DC-area. He loves Macs, adores Linux and likes Windows. Reader responses welcome in the comments below or at philshapiroblogger@gmail.com

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Comments (3)

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JLOVE76
October 03, 2007
11:23 PM PT

I agree, screencasts should play a more prominent role in software demonstration and documentation. Also read this post about Documentation = Revenue for Open Source http://blogs.cnet.com/8301-13505_1-9774567-16.html

Conficio
October 09, 2007
8:07 AM PT

Phil -

I couldn't agree more! You're absolutely right on the money! I'm seeing this on the Mac platform, but also seeing increased usage for Windows-based products. What's crazy is that in addition to professional screencast services, it's becoming even easier for businesses to create their own (http://www.aleuromedia.com/blog/2007/07/video-really-is-better-no-really.html).

Kenny Kutney
Aleuromedia
http://www.aleuromedia.com

kennykutney
October 17, 2007
11:24 AM PT