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> -----Original Message-----
> From:
techwr-l-bounces+kevin -dot- mclauchlan=safenet-inc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
>
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+kevin -dot- mclauchlan=safenet-inc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-
> l.com] On Behalf Of Combs, Richard
> Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2007 14:07
> To: Hales-Crotchett, Nicole; techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: RE: This or These Personnel?
>
> Hales-Crotchett, Nicole wrote:
>
> > I work in Dilbert land. The personnel in question are all
> > propeller heads. :)
>
> And you answered your own question in the second sentence: "The
> personnel ... are ..." Not is, are. Because the noun is plural. So
it's
> these, not this. You wouldn't say "This ... are," would you?
>
> That said, I agree with those who say dump "personnel." Way too
stilted
> and formal -- especially for propeller heads. ;-)
If you are talking ABOUT the propellor-heads, use the terminology that's
common in the group you are addressing (so HR or Manglement will
probably say "personnel"... or worse [shudder] "resources".
If you are talking WITH a bunch of techy-doods, you can refer to
"meatware" or "the squishy components". Tech doodettes, on the other
hand often show an aversion to that terminology. Can't imagine why.
Kevin
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