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Subject:Re: Using Contractions in Software Manuals From:Shelley <shelley -at- RAEX -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 11 May 1999 13:44:49 -0400
I have a rather difficult time with contractions for publication. To me, it
is dumbing down - bringing language to the lowest common denominator.
Of course, I use contractions in my personal life and in my writing. What I
attempt to avoid at all costs, however, is using contractions in anything
that is for public consumption (and not geared to be extremely casual).
By lowering our standards to include contractions in manuals and the like,
we are not only permitting but promoting the "dumbing of America".