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Subject:Re: Is this too Offensive for a manual? From:"Paul Strasser" <paul -dot- strasser -at- windsor-tech -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 19 Nov 2003 08:41:30 -0700
Claire wrote:
>>>>>
There are some phrases used in reference to the meter readers that make me
balk at including them. For example:
Arising from incompetent, lazy or crooked meter readers...
...reward performance and punish incompetence.
In some cases these comments are absolutely true and the cause of
significant business losses that the software is used to control. However, I
can't help but think it is not necessary to be so blunt.
<<<<<<
Just because something is absolutely true doesn't mean that it should be in
print. Think of the cautionary statements that could be added to manuals
that explain why you write what you do...
Without know the full context of the above statements they could be written
with equivalent accuracy but without offense:
Change "Using this methodology will eliminate problems arising from
incompetent, lazy, or crooked meter readers" to:
"Using this methodology will eliminate problems arising from user error,
regardless of its cause.."
Change "This function will reward performance and punish incompetence" to
"This function will create a performance-based compensation system, in which
the most competent meter readers will receive the greatest benefit." No
need to punish incompetence - cat o' nine tails, anyone?
Paul Strasser
Windsor Technologies, Inc.
2569 Park Lane, Suite 200
Lafayette, Colorado 80026
Phone: 303-926-1982
FAX: 303-926-1510
E-mail: paul -dot- strasser -at- windsor-tech -dot- com
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