> > I think there should be a reminder in every e-mail for the ones that they
> > should read the documentation/FAQ first. Is that possible?
>
> Don't know if it's possible, but we shouldn't discourage newcomers.
> Basically, anybody has a chance to ask basic questions. When the issue turns
> a vice, we should direct those people to the docos. Reading once the most
> used docos (OpGuide, DataDef, LangRef) usually pays for itself when you
> think in the time you spend asking the same things.

I think that part of the problem is that the docs are not
'easy reading' when you are just starting. It is much nicer
to have something working and then add to it.

While it is specific to IBObjects, the Getting Started Guide
tries to 'build up peoples confidence', but even that has
problems when we are seeing a lot of newcommers who are
learning Delphi at the same time. We don't want to
discourage them, and if we can 'convert' them from day one
then so much the better.

So my suggestion for beginners is - get the IBObjects
evaluation pack and play with the samples. These will get
you started, even down to creating databases if they do not
exist, so that THEN reading the documentation will make more
sence.

Only if you like what you see would I suggest buying the IBO
Getting Started Guide, and then only if you want to find out
more about IBO it's self. It does provide a step by step
walk through on all aspects of IB/FB and so is worth the
money, but the basic free samples are adaquate for most
dabblers.

So back to the Firebird package - what 'Getting Started'
stuff is now available? I'm so heavily dependent on IBO now
I haven't bothered to keep an eye on it.

--
Lester Caine
-----------------------------
L.S.Caine Electronic Services