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Subject:Re: Tense in Step-by-Step Procedures From:Al Brown <aheb -at- VOICENET -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 1 Oct 1998 21:39:33 -0400
>>>>>>
>> Which is better:
>> 1. Click on the Postings button. The Posting dialog box appears.
>>
>> Or:
>> 1. Click on the Postings button. The Posting dialog box will
>> appear.
><<<<<
>
>Present tense all the way. Sounds more immediate, emphasizes the
>whippy-snappy way that the user is just blazing through their work. "The
>Posting dialog box will appear" makes we wonder when? After it wakes up,
>splashes its face, and has a cuppa Joe?
>
>I only use future tense in two situations.
>
>1. When something is explained better using the future tense. This
>happens very rarely.
>2. When I get tired and write sloppy. It's kind of a bad habit, as my
>editor once pointed out.
>
>- Scott Miller
>smiller -at- portal -dot- com
I agree with Scott. Also, future tense can lead to complications if it is
translated.
