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Subject:Re: Killer Language -Reply From:Eric Haddock <eric -at- ENGAGENET -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 11 Nov 1996 13:04:39 -0600
Whenever I hear the word "abort," I can't not think about abortion. No
matter what the context is I can't help myself.
To me, anything with "abort" in it has a negative connotation even if
the action itself is merely a computer sort. My sensitivity to this is in
the minority I know, but especially if you're American (because this is
such an issue here) I think it's something worth thinking about since
everyone who reads a manual is probably aware enough of the world outside
the office to be affected or have an opinion or be susceptible to the hot
button that issue represents. It's a word choice that flirts with danger.
It doesn't matter what your stance on that issue is, even being reminded
of it can be negative.
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Eric Haddock ------ http://www2.corenet.net/moonlion (updated 10.27.96)
Technical writer
Engage Networks, Inc. ----- http://www.engagenet.com
in the Historic Third Ward of Milwaukee, WI
There is but one process truly worth documenting: Chocolate
