Re: Grammar Q

Subject: Re: Grammar Q
From: Roy Jacobsen <royj -at- writingclearandsimple -dot- com>
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2008 06:12:11 -0600

Lauren wrote:
>
>> Again, why avoid "you" in any content, procedural or otherwise?
>>
>
> It's rude and bossy, like finger pointing and it uses more (and unnecessary)
> words than not stating "you."
>
> Lauren
>
Is "you" rude and bossy in a face-to-face conversation with a friend? If
not, why would it be in a document?

This blog post from Kathy Sierra summarizes some of the points made
about conversational writing (including the use of "you") :
*http://tinyurl.com/cxto5*

Among others who recommend using "you" is Constance Hale (former _Wired_
editor and author of _Sin and Syntax__), who says:

"The second-person pronoun (you) lets the author hook the reader as if
in conversation. Call it cozy. Call it confiding. /_You_/ is a favorite
of the Plain English folks, who view it as an antidote to the stiff
impersonality of legalese and urge bureaucrats to write as if speaking
to the public... "

_You_ think it's rude and bossy; can _you_ cite any authorities who
support your opinion?
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References:
RE: Grammar Q: From: Lauren

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