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> A possible guideline is use the word, you, in
> non-procedural content, but avoid it otherwise. On that
> note, what are your thoughts about using imperatives in
> non-procedural content?
When would a writer need to refer to "you" in non-procedural content? I
will address "you" in email and other informal correspondence, but that's
pretty much the extent of my use of the word.
I've seen documents written with phrases such as, "use this procedure when
you need to access the system," but the use of "you" in these cases is
unnecessary because the phrase still works without "when you need." I
prefer to say what needs to be said with the fewest words possible while
keeping the document effective and comfortable to read. I don't see where
"you" is necessary to improve documentation and, for me, it makes the
writing more uncomfortable to read.
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