Re: The 'user' in User Manual
I would avoid the pronouns and the passive voice.
"The system displays the new user welcome message at the first login."
Lauren
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+lt34=csus -dot- edu -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+lt34=csus -dot- edu -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Tara Charter
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2007 9:26 AM
To: Techwr-l
Subject: Re: The 'user' in User Manual
4th: "Upon initial login, the system displays the new user welcome message."
Sarah Bouchier wrote:
people, that isIn my opinion, using 'you" in instructions sounds like verballystabbing
a
finger at the reader. In some contexts, and to someimperativenot rude. In others, however, it is.I think we're all agreed that instructions should use the
:) In my experience, however, it's not in the actual instructions where the need to actually pick 1st, 2nd or 3rd personcreeps in, it'sin the descriptive or conditional bits round the edges.For example:
2nd: "The first time you log in, you will see the new user welcome message."comfortable with
3rd: "The first time the user logs in, they will see the new user welcome message."
Passive: "Upon initial login, the new user welcome message will be presented."
None of them are +wrong+, but as a user I'd be morethe first.file formats
-----------------------------------------
Sarah Bouchier
Technical Author
exony
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- Pet Peeves (was Re: The 'user' in User Manual), Mary Arrotti
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