"shorthand" vs. plain writing style

[Susan Hogarth]

On 9/1/06, Yves Barbion <yves.barbion at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello techwhirlers,
>
> I'm doing some research on car repair manuals. A typical writing style here
> seems to be some sort of "shorthand" English, in which articles and pronouns
> are omitted. For example:
>
> - "Remove fuel tank cover."
> - "Drain fuel tank and clean fuel filler neck and surrounding area."
> - "Unscrew securing bolt and remove tank flap unit with rubber cup."
> - "Remove securing bolts on filler neck."
> - "Ensure fuel hoses are tight."
>
> Any thoughts/opinions about this writing style?

I'm fer it!

Seriously, it seems admirably (almost blessedly) brief. But then I'm
working on proposals for government contracts, so that may be
affecting my judgement ;-)

-- 
Susan Hogarth
http://www.colliething.com