RE: introducing steps

["Michael West" <mbwest -at- bigpond -dot- com>]

I've always been a fan of JoAnn Hackos.

Yes, use the heading to declare what you're about to present. No need to
repeat it in the body text.

"Minimalism", if you will.

But more than that, it avoids breaking traditional grammar rules about using
fragments. Not that that  is the most important thing. No -- the most
important thing is brevity and clarity.

You people have to understand that among your readers are people to whom
traditional rules still matter. You'd better be across that if you claim to
be "writers".

-- 
Mike West



-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-g -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+ccardimon=m-s-g -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf
Of Arnold, Ann
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 8:51 AM
To: Becca; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: introducing steps

After taking JoAnn Hacko's course, "Minimalism: Creating Manuals People Can
Use," based on user tests and research, I'd do away with intro sentences all
together whenever possible. Just use the Heading ...

To Add a Gadget to the Widget (heading or subheading)
1. Navigate to the blah blah
2. Select the blah blah from the blah blah

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