Ambiguous Terms (was RE: Syntax preferences)

["CB Casper" <knowone -at- surfy -dot- net>]

>> If you're limited to text, how would you clarify 
directions when = left/right, CW or CCW are ambiguous?
Curious how others handle situations like this <<

I've been involved with online discussion forums for
Volkswagen busses for a very long time and since the
engine is in the back, one's usual perspective is
180 degrees off from front engined cars.

People frequently get left and right crossed and even 
more so front and back.

The time tested convention to use when writing is to
remind readers that front is front (FIF), so
interspersed in the writing will be the occasional 
FIF reminder. The mental reminder is to use the
perspective as if sitting the driver's seat.

In technical writing, I provide perspective of where
the user is located relative to what they can see,
then provide details of what is where. Where there
can be confusion, I use "your right" instead of a 
more generic "right" to give the perspective.

CB

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