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Subject:Re: Use of Optional in instructions From:Robert Lauriston <robert -at- lauriston -dot- com> To:techwr-l List <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Fri, 11 Sep 2009 09:43:40 -0700
To me, the logical and grammatically correct way to present such
instructions is to explain the choice, then provide the instructions.
"If you wish to view the generated code now, click *Preview*."
If I figure that most users won't need any explanation, I might put
the explanation at the end:
"If appropriate, set a *Timeout* value (a number of minutes after
which the transaction will be rolled back if the script has not
completed)."
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