Re: Re[2]: Master/Slave

[Martha J Davidson <editrix -at- SLIP -dot- NET>]

Not sure of the advisability of belaboring this thread, but I agree so
completely with what Chuck said that I want to speak up and be counted.

At 06:32 PM 9/22/97 -0700, Chuck Martin wrote:
>
>Oh, to reach a conclusion that just one person is made uncomfortable
>because the evidence is presented from just one person is fallacy.

No kidding.  I've stopped counting how many times I've heard "but nobody
will ever use it that way" when I've pointed out something about a software
design.  The only response I've found to this is, "Well then, meet Nobody,
because I just did precisely that."  Assuming that because people do not
speak up, they are content with things as they are does a great disservice
to a large number of people.

>In general, we do not lose communications efficiency because we aviod words
>with negative connotations. Often, we gain efficiency because the words we
>*do* choose are clear in their meaning, not muddied by to potential of
>multiple contexts or emotional meanings.

Exactly.  I find it is rarely a wasted pursuit to examine the words I use
and those I hear for hidden connotations.  Sometimes the unspoken message
speaks much louder than the actual words, whether the speaker/writer is
aware of this or not.

>It is not petty to be sensitive to your audience. Quite the opposite, it is
>our primary purpose.

Hear, hear.  Well said, Chuck.

--
Martha Jane {Kolman | Davidson}
editrix -at- slip -dot- net / mjk -at- netcom -dot- com / mjk -at- synon -dot- com

Technical Writing = Making explicit the obvious.

 TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot-  Send commands
   to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
  Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/  or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html