RE: Use of Optional in instructions

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

 Combs, Richard noted:

> 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]   |
>  |             |
> 


That's a pretty likely scenario.

Even more likely is that the exit path from the "Check Tx Inhibit box" box would point BELOW step 2. In that case, it'd certainly help to have the flow-chart. If you don't have the flow-chart - say, in a bunch (I was going to say "set" or "sequence", but those implied that I knew of such a pre-planned progression...) of small Help topics, then you might not even learn that Step 2 existed (or there might be a different Step 2 for you) if you make a "wrong" decision in the "Check Tx Inhibit", and then in Step 9 the problem with having skipped Step 2 comes roaring in with a (time-consuming, frustrating, deadline-killing) vengeance. 

 - Kevin 


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