Quote
vreihen
I posted my response to your duplicate thread in the Electronics forum:
http://forums.reprap.org/read.php?13,382327,382491#msg-382491
I think the docs issue and hoping you get what you need in a kit has more to do with the buyer's expectations and how well they have researched what they need. In DIY one needs to be responsible for knowing what they need and how to put it together. You are basically buying raw parts at that point. There are options where there is more comprehensive support but you are going to pay for that. Unless it's speciifically mentioned and you are buying on low price alone (particularly from a Shenzhen fab house) you aren't going to get much in the way of documentation. There are some exceptions, for example Geetech has a Wiki as do some of the other discounters but it's largely the same info as on this Wiki.
I agree that for many builders, particularly first time builders the cost vs. time consumed factor isn't worth it. Particularly when one factors in transit times and shipping costs. At that point I think it's a wise call to spend more upfront and get something that is an end to end package. Like a Printrbot or Makerfarm. There are others as well. What I think we are seeing in general is a new breed of builder that doesn't necessarily have a hacker/maker/tinker background or the DIY experience and are looking for an inexpensive printer rather than a project. They may not have the skills, tools or space to easily complete the project and in turn wind up frustrated. I think a way to address the issue is to communicate what is involved in a DIY build. One will need minimal mechanical and electronics skills, some basic hand tools, ability to research and a good bit of patience. While they may or may not make a better informed decision at least the information will be out there should they choose to take advantage of it.