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What's wrong with MSDN documentation? (and what's right?)

A large part of my job at Microsoft is to provide developers with the knowledge they need to make use of the IIS 7.0 SDK.  While the information about IIS 7.0 is not out yet for review, there are plenty of docs provided in other areas, such as the .NET Framework SDK and ASP.NET sections, which can be used as a benchmark.   In order to make the IIS 7.0 SDK a success, we must do more than just put out a good product. We must also describe how to use it properly or it just will not be used.  So I pose a question to anyone who has ever looked something up in MSDN, what is wrong with the documentation you have used so far?  What is good about it?  What would you like to see to a greater/lesser extent in our documentation?   Feel free to flame us, or praise us.  If you have suggestions, comments, or ideas, feel free to express them here.

Your feedback will help me understand how to increase your satisfaction with MSDN and Microsoft in general.

Or better yet, if you have some desire to play with new technology that isn't documented yet and provide that content to a worldwide audience, why not apply

Published Friday, April 28, 2006 2:17 PM by Tobin Titus
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# re: What's wrong with MSDN documentation? (and what's right?)

Too much thing or too little!
I always find what i'm looking for faster, using google, than your internal search engine!!!
Saturday, April 29, 2006 7:10 AM by Luciano

# re: What's wrong with MSDN documentation? (and what's right?)

Can you provide some examples of "too much" or "too little" information?  Are you talking about too many or too few results in your search? Are you talking about too much information in the topic?
Saturday, April 29, 2006 5:15 PM by Tobin Titus

# re: What's wrong with MSDN documentation? (and what's right?)

One of my big complaints is that the documentation is split across thousands of pages making it irritating (especially when it is a web based app) to click on a link to find 4 lines of documentation. I dont know what is the best way but it sure is painful as hell to wade thru MSDN docs.
Saturday, April 29, 2006 7:47 PM by Kris

# re: What's wrong with MSDN documentation? (and what's right?)

Interesting.  Is it that the topics are too specific and not broad enough to cover a full solution, or is it that they are not specific enough when you find a solution?
Monday, May 01, 2006 12:11 AM by Tobin Titus

# re: What's wrong with MSDN documentation? (and what's right?)

Heya,

I've still got to think a bit before I can give you any feedback.

But I have to ask:
>While the information about IIS
>7.0 isn't out yet for review

Can you give a hint as to _when_?  :)
Wednesday, May 03, 2006 3:18 AM by geoff.appleby

# re: What's wrong with MSDN documentation? (and what's right?)

IIS7 is coming out with Vista and Longhorn. There are plenty of blog posts out that already provide some details about what IIS 7 has to offer, but most people won't get to see those in action until beta 2 of Vista releases.

Some references of interest to get you started:
http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu/archive/2006/04/20/443513.aspx
http://brettblog.com/default.aspx
http://blogs.msdn.com/david.wang/archive/2006/03/15/IIS7_Installation_instructions_for_Vista_Beta_2.aspx

Wednesday, May 03, 2006 3:57 AM by Tobin Titus

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