Re: Usage question - "... un-initialized state" or "... an uninitialized state"

[Alec Chakenov <alec -dot- chakenov -at- gmail -dot- com>]

Why not use "in the un-initialized state"?


2012/10/10 Wanda Phillips <wetcoastwriter -at- me -dot- com>

> I've always avoided "wish" and even more strongly "might wish" in cases
> where the product developers are saying "we suggest."
>
> Have you told the reader, just prior to this, that there are two states,
> which you, or or developers, have chosen to call "initialized" and
> "un-initialized" to choose from? If so, you can stick with "We suggest (or
> 'company name' suggests) you deliver the product in the un-initialized
> state."
>
> Wanda
> ------------------
> ...in order to understand the true nature of reality, we must realize that
> nothing ever really happens.
> Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso, Rinpoche, Sun of Wisdom (Shambhala Publications),
> 3-4.
> ------------------
>
> On 2012-10-10, at 11:47 AM, Lynne Wright <Lynne -dot- Wright -at- tiburoninc -dot- com>
> wrote:
>
> > I can appreciate why the reviewer would feel that it sounds wrong
> without the "an"; I agree with them.
> >
> > I don't think it implies that there are multiple un-initialized
> states... I think you're overthinking that one.
> >
> > As a compromise, you could use "... deliver the product in its
> un-initialized state."
> >
> > p.s. I've also gotta say that the usage of "wish" is a pet peeve with
> me. It sounds too old-fashioned and emotive. Microsoft Manual of Tech
> Writing also specifies using "want" instead. Anybody else with me on this?
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: techwr-l-bounces+lynne -dot- wright=tiburoninc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com[mailto:
> techwr-l-bounces+lynne -dot- wright=tiburoninc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
> Behalf Of McLauchlan, Kevin
> > Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 11:32 AM
> > To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> > Subject: Usage question - "... un-initialized state" or "... an
> uninitialized state"
> >
> > The statement in the docs is: "You might wish to deliver the product in
> un-initialized state."
> >
> > One reviewer wants that to say: "You might wish to deliver the product
> in AN un-initialized state."
> >
> > My objection to that version is that it suggests/implies that there is
> more than one un-initialized state.
> >
> > With respect to initialization, there are two states - initialized and
> un-initialized. There are no sub-categories under un-initialized, and no
> grey areas. It is or it ain't.
> >
> > What say you language mavens?
> >
> >
> >
> > -k
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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