TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: The myth of sexist language From:Dan Martillotti <danm -at- DEV -dot- TIVOLI -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 10 Aug 1995 14:56:31 CDT
----- Begin Included Message -----
>Instead of writing "Each user can open his personal file by ..." I would
>probably write "A user's personal file can be opened by ..."
>Callie
So you will have to try harder to match the clarity of "Each user can open
his personal file by choosing the Open command of the File menu."
Jean Ichbiah
----- End Included Message -----
What is wrong with the direct approach?
"You can open your personal file by choosing the Open command from the File
menu."
By the way, Jean mentions that the passive approach may lead to "(people)
avoiding responsibility, letting the thing happen without ever knowing who
decided." From my personal observations, people already avoid resposibility.
Just look at our federal government. ;-)
_______________________________________
Dan Martillotti ******************
* * *
Tivoli Systems * * * *
(512)502-4759 * * * ** **
danm -at- tivoli -dot- com * * * * * * *
* * * * *
Class of '90 *
***
---------------------------------------
