TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: correct passwords From:Eric Ray <ejray -at- OKWAY -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU> Date:Mon, 6 Jun 1994 09:47:42 CDT
FWIW,
I consider myself a technical communicator--not a "software
documenter." Software documentation is what happens to pay
the bills at this time.
My point was that it seems patronizing to tell someone to
follow the instructions *correctly." Like they're maybe
going to follow them *incorrectly* for the fun of it or
because they don't realize that instructions should be
followed correctly? (heavy sarcasm)
To take an example from my time spent documenting trenchers
(small tractors with very large chain-saw-type attachments
on the back to dig trenches):
* Disengage the trencher drive before dismounting from the
tractor.
- or -
* Correctly disengage the trencher drive before ....
It seems that any kind of modifier about how to follow
instructions is superfluous to say the least.
Eric
ejray -at- okway -dot- okstate -dot- edu
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: correct passwords
Author: ,"Segal, Betty S." <bss3 -at- phpmts1 -dot- em -dot- cdc -dot- gov> at SMTP
Date: 6/4/94 3:01 AM
Rich wrote:
...I wish you software documenters would realize that there is
more technology to write about than what's in that little box
on your desk.
******************
My sentiments exactly.
Betty
bss3 -at- phpmts1 -dot- em -dot- cdc -dot- gov
