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: User Names + Joe Bloggs From:"Brierley, Sean" <Sean -at- Quodata -dot- Com> To:TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Fri, 16 Jun 2000 09:50:10 -0400
Hallo:
In the US, where you can be sued for anything, I have seen no such advice. I
tend to use the names of my pets . . . for the most part, the US still
discourages lawsuits by non-humans . . . but often I'm stuck using names
created by others that exist in our database.
Joe Bloggs? That certainly does not sound American, so obviously so that it
would be distracting to an American audience?
How about Guy Gadbois. Anyone? <vbg>
Sean
sean -at- quodata -dot- com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ead Ni Domhnaill [SMTP:ead_ciara -at- hotmail -dot- com]
>
> Are there any papers or guideline for the use of names in User Manuals -
> I know the John Doe and Joe Bloggs are busy men? But are there any
> guidelines - I don't want to alienate any culture/user/sex etc.?
>
> I was wondering does anyone have any advice - The software is at present
> distributed around Europe - but there are expansion plans for the US.
>
> Thanks ..
>
> Eadaoin
