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Subject:Re: You Use 'you'? From:"Arlen P. Walker" <arlen -dot- walker -at- JCI -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 8 Jun 1994 12:14:29 -0500
> "When does the use of the second person in documents hinder, and when does
> it help?"
It helps when it gives the documentation a warm, friendly, non-threatenting
feel. It's a comfort to feel (even if you know it's illogical) that the
instructions were written especially for you.
It hinders when it makes the documentation too cutesy, or more informal
than the standards permit.
It's a highly personal choice. Some aren't comfortable writing in the
second person.
BTW, I'm including the assumed you in this, as in "(You) Press the Enter key".
Have Fun,
Arlen
arlen -dot- walker -at- jci -dot- com
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