"shorthand" vs. plain writing style

[Karen L. Zorn]

Years ago I wrote Quick Reference Guides to go with audio training for
computer OS and software. We used the telegraphic style. It still carries
over into the work I do today. Explanatory material uses all the bells and
whistles, however the procedures are straight forward, brief and to the
point.

Karen L. Zorn
Zorn Technologies, Inc.
Mesa, AZ


-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+k.zorn=zorntech.com at lists.techwr-l.com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+k.zorn=zorntech.com at lists.techwr-l.com] On Behalf
Of Susan Hogarth
Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 5:59 AM
To: techwr-l at lists.techwr-l.com
Subject: Re: "shorthand" vs. plain writing style


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?