4 ms·
I try to avoid using words like "you", "people", etc., when writing explanations because it keeps the explanation from feeling personal (unless it's supposed to
by dx87 6y ago
I try to avoid using words like "you", "people", etc., when writing explanations because it keeps the explanation from feeling personal (unless it's supposed to be personal). I also try to leave out any subjective statements without supporting evidence. At least to me, it can be discouraging when reading about a subject and the author talks about how "simple" something is, or allows you to "quickly and easily do X", but I don't find it simple, and struggle to use it to do X. Let the reader decide if it's simple, don't tell them it's simple because it could make them feel stupid if they don't find it simple.
- grvdrm 6y agoPerfectly said. Said another way - avoid qualifying
- karmakaze 6y agoThis makes sense to me as a way of summarizing the second point--say things directly without characterizing it one way or the other.
- RhysU 6y agoYes! Do not use "just" or "basically" or other words that imply that you believe the concepts to be simple. "Basically, you just frobnosticate the dodad." kills me when I hear it in a meeting.