More usage: "Open" or "Access" web addresses

[Cardimon, Craig]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ned Bedinger [mailto:doc at edwordsmith.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 12:25 PM
> To: Cardimon, Craig
> Cc: Techwr-l
> Subject: Re: More usage: "Open" or "Access" web addresses
> 
> Cardimon, Craig wrote:
> > Again, I'm seeing different variations here. If I want to direct
users
> > to ftp://ftp.comeandgetit.com <ftp://ftp.comeandgetit.com/>  , would
I
> > tell them to open that URL or access it?
> 
> Open a a web browser, and go to a URL. Experienced network users would
> naturally know what you mean when you say ftp to
> ftp://<forsure>.<theyknow>.<howto/downloads.
> 
> If you're giving this a lot of thought because you have hand-holding
> responsibility for new users on the network, I imagine you can assume
> they're using browsers and they will go to.
> 
> But you know what? FTP is a mainstay of network file serving. It has a
> rich variety of FTP tools grown up around it. For heaven's sake, take
> your pick, on any operating system, of stand-alone download managers,
> and FTP GUIs and command line FTP with its own set of FTP commands, to
> name a few ways that experienced users might find more convenient than
a
> browser.
> 
> So as usual, and with flame-proof suit on to say this, it might depend
> on who your users are. Find out who needs to do it, and that will tell
> you a lot about whether to give them the baby talk (go to) or the rich
> heritage version (ftp to, or connect to).
> 
> I hope someone else can give you advice on the prevailing approach to
> FTP these days. If browsing is the predominant approach for everyone
> anymore, and your FTP URL is web browser friendly, you could tell
> everyone to go to, and so get away without all the heritage hoopla. I
> don't know about that, but someone else will.
> 
> BTW, where are these variations you're seeing? If it is in
documentation
> that you consult for examples of the corporate style at your
workplace,
> then I hope the time is nigh when you can't take no mo' stale
metaphors
> for using a network. To my tin ear, the time "sounds" ripe for a style
> guide crusade to weed out those awkward variations you're seeing.
> 
> Good luck.
> 
> Ned Bedinger
> doc at edwordsmith.com

I'm referring to users who may think the monitor IS the computer. Were I
to mention a hard disk located in the minitower, they might very well be
confused. I have to speak to lowest common denominator whilst not
sounding too Romper Room, if you know what I mean. 


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