RE: Grammar Q

["McLauchlan, Kevin" <Kevin -dot- McLauchlan -at- safenet-inc -dot- com>]

On Behalf Of Lauren
> Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 14:04
> > From: Ben
> > A possible guideline is use the word, you, in
> > non-procedural content, but avoid it otherwise. On   that
> > note, what are your thoughts about using   imperatives in
> > non-procedural content?
> 
> When would a writer need to refer to "you" in non-procedural content?
I
> will address "you" in email and other informal correspondence, but
that's
> pretty much the extent of my use of the word.
> 
> I've seen documents written with phrases such as, "use this procedure
when
> you need to access the system," but the use of "you" in these cases is
> unnecessary because the phrase still works without "when you need."  I
> prefer to say what needs to be said with the fewest words possible
while
> keeping the document effective and comfortable to read.  I don't see
where
> "you" is necessary to improve documentation and, for me, it makes the
> writing more uncomfortable to read.

You are using it anyway.
When you say "Do X.", the "you" is implied.

You, Lauren, stop typing, right now.
You, stop typing, right now.
Lauren, stop typing, right now.
...
OK, [you] resume typing.
:-)

Kevin
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