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: Automated error messages with "personality" From:"Comeau, Lisa" <Lisa -dot- Comeau -at- MOH -dot- GOV -dot- ON -dot- CA> Date:Fri, 21 May 1999 14:33:39 -0400
Yvonne sent a great question about "personality" in error messages. I wish I
had more time to discuss, but I'm off for a weekend of sun & fun, so I have
to make it short.
In MY opinion, as a user support specialist, my clients would LOVE error
messages that gave more detailed info, but I agree with Yvonne that the
"Weasel words" might be too much. Maybe rephrasing her sample message like
this
>Hello, this is the ***SendMaster from ***.com. This email message is to let
you know that the *** message did not
>successfully reach the intended recipient.
>
>The problem might be:
>The email address yvonne -at- silcom -dot- com is not in our records.
would be better received.
I'm no expert, but if I hear one more client report a "This program has
performed and illegal operation" type message, and think they're software
isn't licensed, I'ma gonna scream! ;-)
Enjoy the May 2-4!
Lisa Comeau
Accounts Representative, Client Services Group
Y2K/Exchange Project, Ontario Ministry of Health
Office: (416) 327 1112
Pager: (416) 715 9198
mailto: Lisa -dot- Comeau -at- moh -dot- gov -dot- on -dot- ca
