TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Using the Term "User" From:"Charles P. Campbell" <cpc -at- PRISM -dot- NMT -dot- EDU> Date:Sat, 4 Dec 1993 11:05:32 MST
OK, please correct my last. I have to agree with Gary Detmers, who wrote, >
At our company we have moved away from the term "the user" to a more friendly
and personal voice by using a different person. We now say "you" in our
manuals to give the reader the feeling that she is recognized by the writer.
"You" saves the user the bother of having to identify with some abstract role
such as user, operator, etc. (BTW, _you_ was 2nd person, last I looked.)
**********************************************
Chuck Campbell, Assoc. Prof. *
Technical Communication Program * In chaos
Humanities Department *
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology*
Socorro, NM 87801 *
Voice 505-835-5284 * there is possibility
email cpc -at- nmt -dot- edu *
**********************************************