"Next" or "the following" -- What is your preference?

[Pro TechWriter]

Hi:

This is a little brain teaser for a Monday morning. I am accustomed to using
"next" in an introduction to a procedure instead of "the following."
A few people here (not technical writers--I am the only one), want
to change this to "the following" or "below," (I never use "below" any more)
I also use "next" for lists and things after an introduction.

My original output is a Word document that is saved as a PDF, then it is
converted to WebHelp HTML with RoboHelp for access on our Intranet.

What is your preference? This one has me stumped. I don't see any problem
with using "next," and actually prefer it, since I write in active voice,
present tense. I haven't found anything that says it is categorically wrong,
but maybe it is? I'd like some kind of source to say one way or the other,
so I can pass that info along.

Any and all comments appreciated!
Happy Monday!


-- 
PT
pro.techwriter at gmail.com
I'm a Technical Technical Writer!