Re: Appropriate -- so inappropriate!

[Michael West <WestM -at- ap -dot- aurecongroup -dot- com>]

> From: "Gene Kim-Eng" <techwr -at- genek -dot- com> 

> I think it is exactly an issue of reading comprehension. 
> In a lowest common denominator environment, if you say 
> "choose the colors for your screen," I would bet real 
> money that someone will ask "how do I know which colors 
> I should choose?"

And you'd win the bet because "Choose the colors for your screen" is not a 
clear instruction, although it is certainly possible to argue that it is 
"clear enough" for a given audience in a given situation.

It isn't clear because it doesn't specify the relation between choosing 
and the outcome.

Another common variant is "Choose the colors that your screen will be." 
Huh? I'm supposed to predict? Do I get a clue? What do I win if I guess 
correctly?

It's weak syntax. Technical writers are supposed to know better. Clear 
writing isn't just about being understood. It's about removing any 
possiblilty of being misunderstood.

Regarding the original post -- yes, "appropriate" is an empty filler that 
should be avoided unless accompanied by a reference or hyperlink to 
specific criteria the user can apply to determine what is or is not 
appropriate.

"Relevant" is another one, as in "Choose the relevant account type". 
"Appropriate" and "relevant" are earmarks of writing done by people who 
think it's important to sound "technical" irrespective of making sense. 
And so is blaming any misunderstandings upon our readers' "stupidity" 
rather than our own ambiguous syntax.
--
Mike







Disclaimer - http://www.aurecongroup.com/apac/disclaimer/ 




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