RE: Anthropomorphism is bad because...

[<Brian -dot- Henderson -at- mitchell1 -dot- com>]

In theory, there are arguments to be made for both sides of the
question.

I can easily imagine hardcore techs/engineers frowning upon
anthropomorphic documentation. Which could lead to (if only
unconsciously) distrust of the information being conveyed.

On the other hand, I think the "ordinary" person should not be
unnecessarily subjected to overly dense and convoluted
instructions/data. Here, anthropomorphism can be a useful "algorithm"
for long-winded and unhelpful terminology.

I think it always comes down to audience, audience, audience.

-BH

-----Original Message----- From: Milan Davidovic

2010/6/18 McLauchlan, Kevin <Kevin -dot- McLauchlan -at- safenet-inc -dot- com>:
> I gather a little anthropomorphic fun/laxity is permissible in your 
> techwriting milieu?

I've never heard it questioned, though that "little voice in your head"
does ring some bells. But before we examine the position that
anthropomorphism (or perhaps it's just metaphor) is bad, it might be
good to see who (if anyone) actually holds such a position.

Maybe that voice we're hearing is just our own...

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