Pet Peeves (was Re: The 'user' in User Manual)

[Jennifer Baldwin]

Along the same lines as this discussion on anthropomorphism, Microsoft
posted some guidelines to their site regarding the Windows Vista "tone",
including:

"Encouraging. Use language that conveys that the software empowers users
to do things, rather than allows them to do things. For example, use
'you can' rather than 'Windows lets you' or 'this feature allows you.'
(Exception: it's okay to use 'allow' when referring to features-such as
security features-that permit or deny an action.)"

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/UxGuide
/UXGuide/Text/TextAndTone.asp


- Jennifer Baldwin