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Subject:FW: Double Time -Reply From:Melissa Lowery <MLOWERY -at- GWM -dot- SC -dot- EDU> Date:Wed, 28 Aug 1996 11:28:31 -0400
Cheryl,
I have worked on documentation for a Payroll system recently. The appropriate term is either
double-time or double time. Doubletime is definitely wrong. I would pick one or the other of the
two options and simply be consistent.
It is frustrating to document a system where the programmers show a cavalier disregard for
proper spelling or spelling consistency. I worked on a Magistrate Court system where the
programmer had been consistent, but consistently wrong in spelling "judgment" -- a word that
was everywhere in this system! When informed that "judgement" though it looks correct is not,
the programmer subtly questioned my intelligence! What would I know, I mean I only have an MA
in English (and most of the coursework for a PhD)! The prgrammer resented having to spend time
correcting the spelling errors in the system but, in the end, I prevailed and our system is at least
consistent in spelling if not function.
The only way I have been able to make programmers understand the importance of good spelling
is to ask them what happens when they misspell a command in a program. The compiler
definitely cares about whether or not syntax and spelling are correct. I simply remind them that
their users care as well. I certainly would question the programming quality of a system that
consistently misspelled key words or contained improper grammar. Call me picky if you want!
(Stepping off my soap box and wiping the froth from my mouth...)
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