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Subject:Re: Is this too Offensive for a manual? From:Shankar <ss_rajanala -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 19 Nov 2003 22:47:45 -0800 (PST)
couple of questions: what if you are writing
about anti-intrusion software. Your device can
detect even a cunning-as-heck hacker, and repel
attempts to intrude. As such, value loaded terms
are not verboten in s/w. If it has to be said it
has to be...
Then again, what if your 'target reader' in the
meter reading example had been a lazy
unscrupulous reader promoted to supervisor (coz
the s/w to catch them was not in place :-)
They'll hate you.
Finally, what exactly is the outcome of
lazy/incompetent readers; what is the basis for
reward/punishment? It is, quite simply,
inaccuracies in the reading. So the software
helps you identify accurate readings, so you
could reward them; as also catch inaccurate
readings and discourage them.
What is objectionable about lazy/incompetent is,
the inference. There is inaccurate reading, and
you assume the reader is at fault. Maybe they
forgot their reading glasses? As in the following
anecdote i never tire of repeating:
Waiter: What would you like sir
Einstein: Can you please read out the menu for
me?
Waiter: sorry sir, I am also illiterate.
Einstein: well then, get me a menu with BIG
letters
:-)
Shankar
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