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.
--- hillc -at- ctcorp -dot- com wrote:
>
> I would love some input. The guide I am finishing is similar to a game
> manual to be included in a DVD case. It is very basic and addresses
> installation and scenario set-up. The sections are divided by user type
> with Section 2 for the single user, and Section 3 for multi-users (Trainer
> and Trainee). The cover of the guide is also simple with the name of the
> product at top right, picture in the center, and Users Guide centered on
> bottom. I've had feedback from various sources who have all quoting me
> various grammatical rules as to why it should be User's, or Users, or
> Users'. Is there a standard? Is there a right way and wrong way?
Is there a standard? Not that I can tell. As has already been pointed out, there are
four possibilities, and the assiduous researcher can find examples of each.
Is there a right way and wrong way? Yes to both parts of this question. It's going
to come down to how you view your audience, and how your audience views themselves.
*I* would write "Users' Guide" because I see it as multiple users all possessing a
guide written for them, hence the plural possessive.
However, I don't think that any but nitpicking grammarians (of which I am one, I
admit) will really care. Your audience knows the book is for them and has
expectations about what it will contain, which is what they're really interested in.
So, I wouldn't obsess over it. Just be sure you use the title consistently. Somebody
will question whatever choice you make, so be prepared for that.
But it's really not that big a deal. (Did I really say that? <g>)
Check out the new release of RoboDemo, our easy-to-use tutorial software.
Plus, buy RoboHelp Office in August and save $100 with our mail-in rebate.
Get details and download free trial versions at http://www.ehelp.com/techwr-l
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
