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Subject:Re: appears vs is displayed From:"Robin M. Allen" <robin -dot- m -dot- allen -at- WORLDNET -dot- ATT -dot- NET> Date:Wed, 26 Mar 1997 09:45:48 -0600
Brad Barnes wrote:
>
> Consider a minimalist approach:
>
> 1. Click Add.
> 2. From the Add Patient window, choose blobbity-blah-blah.
>
> By simple inference, the reader knows that there must be an Add Patient
> window on the screen after they have clicked Add. Furthermore, the above
> approach helps *orient* the reader without being overly wordy or redundant.
>
> Brad Barnes
> Technical Writer
> Resumix Inc
> kiwi -at- best -dot- com
> brad -at- resumix -dot- com
>
> At 08:26 AM 3/25/97 -0600, you wrote:
> >Hi ya'll:
> >
> >I'm in the middle of a raging debate among several tech writers about
> >the use of "appears" vs "is displayed," e.g.:
> >
> >"Click Add and the Add Patient window is displayed."
> >vs
> >"Click Add and the Add Patient window appears."
> >
> >Even though it uses the passive voice, I personally prefer "is
> >displayed." To me, "appears" sounds like it happens through magic. Any
> >thoughts?
> >
>
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Brad:
I often use this approach, but on occassion, it doesn't work. For
example, if it's important to describe a part of the screen when it is
displayed, it's easier and cleaner to give the feedback on the line
after the action. Rather than before the next command.
:Robin Allen
robin -dot- m -dot- allen -at- worldnet -dot- att -dot- net
TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
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