Viewing post #702934 by MotherRaphaela

Leftwood said: Only if said new user is proficient in technical writing. This is rarely the case, and what will happen is that key steps/information will be left out. The "student" will be stuck, with no recourse. The other "problem" is that with cameras, much like computer operating systems (e.g. Windows), there is often more than one way to produce the same desired effect. The method presented may not be the best one, and not offering other viable options is a disservice to the camera owner/student.

On the other hand, with verbal teaching, such missing information can be rectified on the spot. Questions can be asked.

My problem is not understanding the need for "either/or" here. There is nothing wrong with a person's learning his craft, calling or business, whatever it is; in this place, how to operate a digital camera; in my place, how to live as an Orthodox Christian nun. There is also nothing wrong with that same person's learning how to communicate that craft, calling or business to outsiders in the language of his or her choice. While every group develops technical terms, groups that pride themselves on having terms that are esoteric, unable to be understood by "outsiders," do themselves a disservice. I have found that the best practitioners of every craft are almost always the ones able to explain themselves to "outsiders."

Don't worry, I'm not interested in anything here other than learning how to work my camera! MR