Re: Punctuation and procedure titles?

["Angela Pollak" <angela -dot- pollak -at- sybase -dot- com>]

Thanks for your response, but with all due respect, I think you missed the
point. Let me explain...

First, I'm speaking of numbered lists, not bulleted lists. (There is a
difference: numbered lists imply sequence, whereas bulleted lists do not.
Each numbered 'step' in my list is a complete sentence.) Secondly, the
'sentence' introducing the list is not a sentence at all, but rather a
'title' consisting of a slightly 'embellished' infinitive (which may very
well answer my question in and of itself). For example,

To phone a friend(:)
     1. Pick up the receiver.
     2. Dial the number.
     3. Wait for the person you are calling to say hello.

I realize consistency is the most important issue here. I also realize from
my research that there is no industry standard. However, since examples of
this construction run rampant in software documentation. I figured there
would be some sort of opinion and that maybe someone would have a reason or
two for their choice.

I'm simply gathering information before I make a recommendation for our
house style.

Thanks again for your advice.

~A~