Verner, I write in Controlled English for translation. I would write: Wait while the program updates the results.
Thus, you avoid the "Please" and the gerund (updating), the first of which is unnecessary and the second of which may not be translatable in many languages. Simple, direct, active voice statements are best. Words like carefully, slowly, etc., are also invitations to interpretation by the reader, which may not be the result you want. HTH. Tom -----Original Message----- From: Andersen, Verner Engell VEA [mailto:verner.ander...@radiometer.dk] Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 4:31 AM To: framers at lists.frameusers.com Subject: OT: Use of "please" in technical documentation and messages on screen Hi Once I learned that you shouln't use the word "please" in technical documentation - that it was like asking the reader to do you favor. Does this still hold true? Is it OK to have this message displayed on the screen of our user interface? "We are updating the result list, please wait" Best regards, Verner -------------------------------------------------------- Radiometer Medical ApS Akandevej 21 2700 Bronshoj Denmark Phone: +45 38 27 38 27 CVR: 27 50 91 85 -------------------------------------------------------- Please be advised that this email may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not read, copy or re-transmit this email. If you have received this email in error, please notify us by email by replying to the sender and by telephone (call us collect at +1 202-828-0850) and delete this message and any attachments. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance. In addition, Danaher and its subsidiaries disclaim that the content of this email constitutes an offer to enter into, or the acceptance of, any contract or agreement or any amendment thereto; provided that the foregoing disclaimer does not invalidate the binding effect of any digital or other electronic reproduction of a manual signature that is included in any attachment to this email. This e-mail message from Cross Match Technologies, Inc. is intended only for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. This e-mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail by accident, please notify the sender immediately and destroy this e-mail and all copies of it.