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Re: Alternative to "option" for dialog box options
Subject:Re: Alternative to "option" for dialog box options From:Cynthia Anne Fisher <fisherca -at- WORLDNET -dot- ATT -dot- NET> Date:Sat, 20 Mar 1999 17:56:29 -0700
Thanks to everyone who responded to my query about another word for =
"option." I think I need to clarify a little bit.
Most people suggested that I use the specific term - - list box, button, =
etc. - or else avoid labeling the option at all. I use both of those =
strategies when referring to an individual option. Like many of you, I =
prefer to avoid the label, and only add one when it's necessary for =
clarity.
My struggle is what to call all of the options in a dialog box or wizard =
when referring to them collectively, as in the following: "Certain =
options in the XXX dialog box require you to enter data. Others can be =
left blank. Your system administrator configures which options require =
data and which do not."
In my opinion, discussing "required options" sounds quite silly. Therein =
lies the dilemma.=20
If anyone has any suggestions on how to rewrite a sentence like the one =
above, I'd really appreciate it.