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Subject:Re: wording for training materials From:Jeff Hanvey <jeff -at- jewahe -dot- net> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 17 Oct 2002 07:58:44 -0700 (PDT)
The writer was wrong. The manager specifically told him/her to change something, and s/he did NOT - that is insubordination. If the writer had a problem, s/he should have discussed it with the manager. Ultimately, however, it is the manager/editor's decision, and that should be final - if the manager allows such things to continue, then his effectiveness is reduced.
If nothing else, now would be a good time to introduce a standard style guide - that way, there can be no question about what style to use.
Nonetheless, in my opinion, since this is a presentation, "you" is appropriate.
Jeff
--- "Writer Whirler" <a_whirler -at- hotmail -dot- com> wrote:
<snipped>
>When the presentation went for editing,
>the editor wanted all "the user" references to be changed to "you". The
>writer didn't do it (and sent the presentation out as final), saying that it
>wasn't necessary because the audience was support people, not users. The
>opposing opinion in our group says it should have been changed because the
>editor (who is also the manager) has final say in matters of style, but also
>because "you" is just as understandable (perhaps even more so....less words
>to read, less awkward construction...), and because the trainers presenting
>most likely are saying "you can now do this...." rather than "the user can
>now do this...."
_____________________________________________________________
Jeff Hanvey: http://www.jewahe.net
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