>
>
> First off let me say that grouping pins on a part in a schematic based
> on pin numbers is NOT the way I'd go. Grouping pins based on function is
> FAR better (i.e. I prefer, when possible, powers on the top, grounds on
> the bottom, inputs on the left, outputs on the right, bus bits grouped
> together with associated pins (i.e. clocks). I'm not stuck to this
> however, for example for a MAX232 I would put TTL levels on one side and
> RS232 levels on the other.).


Mostly, I agree.  I tend to put power and ground where I can show the bypass
caps connected there, so that I'm conveying that information to the layout
guy. In general, I'm more picky than most on bypassing, but I get better
results. :)  Would you believe in connecting three points 0.2" apart with
0.1" trace, I can get a 2dB improvement in switcher output noise by
connecting them in the right order, as opposed to a triangular "blob" that
connects all three?


> These are readers new to electronics. They don't fully understand a
> schematic. To them, a schematic has NOTHING to do with how the circuit
> works, it's simply a recipe for building the circuit.


Well, pandering to that is in some ways a mistake.
I would add in a small pic showing the pinout, but even that is wasted
space.
The magazine has the additional constraint of a finite amount of space to
show things in.


> Yes, some here will say "well, these beginners should get used to how
> things are done properly", and I'd agree with them, to a point. What's
> better in a magazine with such a distribution of reader skill sets: a
> schematic that's a little harder to read for an experienced person, or a
> schematic that's harder to reader for the beginner?


Reasonable point.

I'd say making the schematic easier for the beginner is the right
> choice. The experienced person will be a little annoyed, but it won't
> dissuade them very much. The beginner on the other hand will likely quit
> VERY quickly if the schematic doesn't match what they are holding in
> their hands.


This isn't helping the inexperienced become experienced, but that isn't
really the goal of the magazine.. But it does perpetuate the myth that this
is the "right" way to do things, and it contributes to "dumbing down".
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