RE: conventions

["Douglas S. Bailey (AL)" <dbailey -at- commandalkon -dot- com>]

> I think the shorthand version is useful in command
> summaries and quick-reference cards, where space is
> at a premium. In normal instructional writing, the full
> narrative version is superior because it does a better job
> of teaching a logical path through the menus. The

This is all well and good, but it does go against the typical user's innate
desire:  to learn only the least amount of information necessary to
accomplish a given task.  For most people, learning is a chore, something to
be performed only when absolutely necessary.  This attitude is a form of
both impatience and laziness, and it's a common state of mind.  The
shorthand version speaks directly to this need; the narrative is less useful
to these people.

Of course, determining the ratio of impatient users to those who prefer
narratives is another task entirely.

--Doug

Doug Bailey
Technical Writer
Technical Communications Dept.
Command Alkon
Email FAX:  (413) 653-1027


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