RE: Use of Optional in instructions

Subject: RE: Use of Optional in instructions
From: "Combs, Richard" <richard -dot- combs -at- Polycom -dot- com>
To: "Robert Lauriston" <robert -at- lauriston -dot- com>, <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:04:49 -0600

Robert Lauriston wrote:

> Bruce Combs original example was:
>
> "1. Select the Tx Inhibit check box, to block the operator from
> transmitting audio (optional)."
>
> To me, that "1." implies a linear series of steps. There's no branch,
> you check the box or not, then go on to step 2.

Actually, it wasn't my example. But if the word "optional" doesn't
suggest "choice" to you, just look at your own statement again: "you
check the box _or_not_, ..." Looks like a branch to me.

Flowchart time (and let's hope it doesn't get reformatted).

|
|
V
---------------- --------------
| Block | Yes | Check |
| transmission |------->| Tx Inhibit |
| of audio? | | box |
---------------- --------------
| |
| No |
| |
|<---------------------|
|
V
---------------
| |
| [Step2] |
| |


And don't call me Bruce unless we're re-enacting a Monty Python sketch.
;-)

Richard


Richard G. Combs
Senior Technical Writer
Polycom, Inc.
richardDOTcombs AT polycomDOTcom
303-223-5111
------
rgcombs AT gmailDOTcom
303-777-0436
------






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Follow-Ups:

References:
Use of Optional in instructions: From: Bruce Megan (ST-CO/ENG2.2)
RE: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Combs, Richard
RE: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Boudreaux, Madelyn (GE Healthcare, consultant)
Re: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Lauren
RE: Use of Optional in instructions: From: McLauchlan, Kevin
Re: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Robert Lauriston
RE: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Combs, Richard
Re: Use of Optional in instructions: From: Robert Lauriston

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