Well Richard, as you stated: Unless you're writing for complete computer novices
You hit the nail right on the head - in some cases we are, in other cases we aren't. The crux of the matter is that both audiences will have to use this same guide. Plus, they will so infrequently use these background applications, that their learning curve would be just for the day that they are using the program and then it would be a fresh start all over again. So . . . . I dunno' at this point. I think waiting for customer feedback on the guide is what I need to do. TVB Tammy Van Boening Senior Technical Writer Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. 303-328-4420 tammy.vanboening at jeppesen.com "Combs, Richard" <richard.combs at Polycom.com> Sent by: framers-bounces+tammy.vanboening=jeppesen.com at lists.frameusers.com 08/10/2006 12:09 PM To <framers at frameusers.com> cc Subject RE: OT: Writing/editing style Fred Ridder wrote: > Focus on essential steps (accomplishing the task at hand). > Assume automatic actions (like basic navigation). > Eliminate unnecessary words. I'm with Art and Fred. Unless you're writing for complete computer novices, don't describe _how_ to switch to another application or window. The reader may not even like the method you describe, preferring to use Alt-Tab. Just say, "In the Foo program's Bar tab, do X." Richard ------ Richard G. Combs Senior Technical Writer Polycom, Inc. richardDOTcombs AT polycomDOTcom 303-223-5111 ------ rgcombs AT gmailDOTcom 303-777-0436 ------ _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as tammy.vanboening at jeppesen.com. Send list messages to framers at lists.frameusers.com. To unsubscribe send a blank email to framers-unsubscribe at lists.frameusers.com or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/tammy.vanboening%40jeppesen.com Send administrative questions to lisa at frameusers.com. Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.