Just wondering if there's a better way of getting quality knowledgebase articles/tutorials other than spending coutless hours writting them myself?

Are flash tutorials the way to go?

Flash tutorials are great for customers who have little knowledge of control panels, billing systems, etc.

I still think that a good old Knowledgebase is the way to go, and would say one developed specifically for your needs would be your best bet.

I'll definately have the knowledgebase in place, it's just that if I'm going to do it, I want it done right. This would require many hours of writting it myself. Is that the best way?

You're right about flash tutorials, that would be a "down the road" kind of thing. I think screenshots attached to the knowledgebase would work well.

I'm sure someone else can elaborate, but personally, I would prefer to create them myself. I'm sure there are sites out there where you can purchase Knowledge base Q&A's, but I just couldn't trust them in regards to giving the correct information to my customers (this way, you know they are getting what is asked).

Screenshots are also excellent aids for a knowledgebase, and a little more cost effective of flash tutorials :P

If I was able to purchase the info I'd definately go through it and make needed changes. I guess I'll start writing, I just don't want to leave anything important out. Then again, having a few people go through it after could bring up missing info..

I wouldn't mind going through, shoot me a PM once you have some stuff put togethor.

I wouldn't mind going through, shoot me a PM once you have some stuff put togethor.

Great. I'll let you know when I'm done.

I agree with the knowledgebase being a essential thing to have for your clients. And screenshots would be a nice touch. It is a time consuming thing to put together, but you don't have to finish it overnight. Get started on it and I'm sure you'll have more done before you realize it.
Flash tutorials are amazing. Don't underestimate them. People are very visual and a nice set of flash tutorials is a great addon. We received a lot of "Wow's" and other positive feedback once we put ours up. We looked at all the flash companies and went with DemoWolf (http://www.demowolf.com/). Very fast turn around and Rob is a great guy to work with. We're ordering more shortly!

flash tutorials are certaingly great and of a great help, but as regards manuals and FAQ I would prefer to right them myself, which I did

Writing your own articles for Knowledgebase/Help files IMHO is best because it addresses 3 important things for you:

1. Uniqueness - you are not the same old business with the same tutorials seen on other companies. If you have the time, write your own articles with screenshots and it will serve almost the same purpose as flash tutorials. Your own words plus your own screenshots will be unique to you.

2. Personalization - You can definitely personalize the tutorial to address your particular client base or niche. Your style in writing will let them know who you are and that you are a real person behind the business.

3. SEO friendly - as the SEOs say, more unique content will help your search engine ranking. With your own writing, you can target certain keywords and phrases unique to your websites or market niche.

And of course you own the copyright to the content/articles so its a great way to make yourself known on the net which will eventually lead to knowing your websites as well.

Hope this helps.

Yes I aggree it's better to write them yourself as I have done it's slow but it ensures quality. But does anyone know where everyone is getting these flash tutorials from because they all seem to be the same just with different branding.

slimshady, there's several places around, but try DemoWolf, (http://www.demowolf.com/), I'm sure you'll be happy with them.

Thanks for the tip.