Re: levels of detail -- are we beyond this?

[Laura Praderio Lynn <lpraderio -at- alpineclimbs -dot- com>]

my fav is a chinese manual we ran across in our tech writing program at
northeastern; the before you begin requested that the user "compose your
mind".



Butler, Darren J CTR USAF AFMC 584 CBSS/GBHAC wrote:
>>> Is it me, or is this kind of detail totally unnecessary in this day and age?<<
> 
>  
> 
> You--would--be-shocked!!   ≡8^@
> 
>  
> 
> If they STILL put instructions on some shampoo bottles………
> 
>  
> 
> Instructions:
> 
> 1.  Wet hair thoroughly with warm water
> 
> 2.  Apply a generous amount of Mr. Andre’s SuperModel-Strength, Anti-Sludge Shampoo (with kumquat & alfalfa extracts)
> 
> 3.  Gently Wash hair
> 
> 4.  Rinse 
> 
> 5.  Repeat
> 
>  
> 
> PLUS, they also include a phone number to call if you have any questions!
> 
>  
> 
> -Darren
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+darren -dot- butler -dot- ctr=robins -dot- af -dot- mil -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+darren -dot- butler -dot- ctr=robins -dot- af -dot- mil -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Tom Johnson
> Sent: Friday, August 15, 2008 3:56 PM
> To: TECHWR-L'
> Subject: levels of detail -- are we beyond this?
> 
>  
> 
> I just ran into some detailed instructions on going to a website that look
> 
> like this:
> 
>  
> 
>    1. Open Internet Explorer by clicking *Start* > *Programs* > *Internet
> 
>    Explorer*.
> 
>    2. In the *Address* field, enter *http://sampleurl.com* and press *Enter*.
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Is it me, or is this kind of detail totally unnecessary in this day and age?
> 
> I'd say 99% of the time, people will understand the much simpler version:
> 
> "1. Go to http://sampleurl.com.";
> 
>  
> 
> Tom
> 
>  
> 
> ---------------------
> 
> cell: 801-822-2241
> 
> blog: www.idratherbewriting.com
> 
> twitter: www.twitter.com/tomjohnson
> 
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