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[2]: Killer Language -Reply From:Don_Smith -at- SMTPLINK -dot- PENRIL -dot- COM Date:Mon, 11 Nov 1996 14:48:09 EST
Amy Brown Writes:
MNSHO:
"Personally, I'm apt to use "hit return" or "'hit enter", but what
bugs me about terms like "abort" and "Kill" is not the violence but
the melodrama. I get visions of reactor core meltdowns and Tom Cruise
ejecting himself
from a burning fighter plane. We're documenting software or hardware
(mostly for civilian use), not writing screenplays."
I have been a tech writer for many years and I, for one have begun to
really dislike the violence of the language more and more all the
time. I believe, as others have said, that this is a sign of the
times. If others lived in D.C. (I live 75 miles away, but commute to
within a couple of miles of D.C.) they would be ready and hearing
about murders, shootings, etc. *everyday*!
"Kill it", "hit it", etc., I don't think we really need.
I use "press Enter", "delete it", etc. Less violence, more kindness,
please.
(Of course I am an Engineering Major, not Journalistic Major.)