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.
> Also include a glossary definition which mentions the
> older convention.
>I'm afraid that won't do, Beryl. Look in any electronics
>catalogue, and you'll find male and female plugs, and female and
>male sockets. Generally, the one to use depends on which side the
>power is coming out of.
They can also be used to define the location/mounting of each. Sockets
are generally (but not always) mounted on or in something - a wall, the
back panel of some equipment, etc. A plug is typically on the end of a
cable or wire. Either may be male OR female.
>What on earth is wrong with Male and Female as descriptions? Are
>they hard to understand? Offensive to eunochs? Or are they just
>clear, concise and universally understandable?
That's exactly the problem: they make far too much sense, so somebody
*must* screw them up (now THERE'S a politically-incorrect term!).
Your friend and mine,
Matt
<insert standard disclaimer here>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
They say there are strangers, who threaten us
Our immigrants and infidels
They say there is strangeness, too dangerous
In our theaters and bookstore shelves
Those who know what's best for us
Must rise and save us from ourselves
- Rush, "Witch Hunt"
