"the following" or nothing -- what is IM's preference? (was:"Next" or "th...

[HBacheler at aol.com]

To all.
 
In my experience, the simpler the better.
 
I have 'always' put procedures in a table"
 
Step  -   Action   -   result (desired)   -(In test procedures)  Pass/fail)
 
The Table has a caption and heading row(s)..
 
I refer to the heading. by a cross reference.
 
This makes it easier to get to.  And also, I can have an Appendix that is 
made up of 'procedures.
 
Using this technique, it doesn't make any differences about above below.  You 
don't have to say on 'Previous page/, this page, next page, etc.
 
As different 'authors, editors, reviewers may have their own 'standards, 
there is no mistake when referring to a Paragraph or a cross-reference, etc..Also, 
when referring to Figures, Illustrations, Examples, etc, you avoid having to 
worry about pages.
 
When you put a document on the web you are on the 'page', not matter how long 
the 'page' is.  the 'next page' may not be in the same file you put it in.  
Especially if you have a long document and the webmaster, or web folks may 
'reorient your 'page''.
 
As I have no personal knowledge of Information Mapping, Framemaker, 
Pagemaker, or some of the more 'advanced' word processors, I tend to 'oversimplify'.
 
My experience has helped me take this approach.  It allows a procedure to be 
modified, amplified, and even be used as a TEST procedure if tests are 
required.  The table compuns can be modified to delete the "Pass'/''Fail' column.
 
My input to the discussion.
 
Harry