RE: Is there a study on reading warnings, notes?

["McLauchlan, Kevin" <Kevin -dot- McLauchlan -at- safenet-inc -dot- com>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From:
techwr-l-bounces+kevin -dot- mclauchlan=safenet-inc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
>
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+kevin -dot- mclauchlan=safenet-inc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-
> l.com] On Behalf Of Leonard C. Porrello
> Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 2008 10:47 AM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: RE: Is there a study on reading warnings, notes?
> 
> The recovery step for blinding would be even more interesting. In any
> case, we should always strive to be polite: "Please retrieve your
> fingers...."


I suppose the recent (seconds ago) loss of digits would constitute
special circumstances, but as a general rule, I prefer to not use
"please" and other trappings of formal politeness in technical
instructions.

To be gentle or accommodating, I might phrase it:

"As soon as possible, retrieve..."

Or

"When convenient, but preferably while they are still viable,
retrieve..."

Of course, at this point you get into the exigencies of _safely_
locating and retrieving the recently separated digits. It might be best
to suggest having someone else perform that chore - someone who's not
currently in physical shock and who is therefore more likely to maintain
awareness of little things like switching off the equipment that
performed the separation... the little things that can be so important
and yet can be overlooked in moments of haste or of extreme bloody
panic.

Sigh.  I can see where the legal department is going to come into play
on this one.

A TW's work is never done.


 - Kevin
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