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> There is not a reason to refer to any "person" in a procedural
document.
> I
> do refer to roles, but references to persons, like "you," a gender, or
> "their" for an individual, are unnecessary.
-- start bogus example --
6. Upon receiving the User's certificate, add it to the standard
template that you created earlier, to form a Profile for that User.
7. Store the profile in the Profile database.
Note: When working with a small number of Users, you can perform this
task manually. For larger numbers of users (or for unattended operation
of the sign-up process) see the section on _Scripting and Automation_.
-- end bogus example -
Were you offended by the tone of the instructions, or by the use of
"you" in the Note?
I realize that some nationalities or cultures would actually be at least
mildly offended, because their language and culture is built on
non-intrusion and self-effacement. So far, I have no incentive to bend
over backwards to serve such preferences. If it's really necessary, then
that's what translation/localization services are for.
By the way, is this really a "Grammar Q" at this point, or more of a
"Style Q" ??
Kevin
(who has been wrong before...)
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