Use of "please" in technical documentation and messages on screen

[Thomas Scalise]

Verner,

I write in Controlled English for translation. I would write: Wait while
the program updates the results.

Thus, you avoid the "Please" and the gerund (updating), the first of
which is unnecessary and the second of which may not be translatable in
many languages. Simple, direct, active voice statements are best. Words
like carefully, slowly, etc., are also invitations to interpretation by
the reader, which may not be the result you want.  

HTH.

Tom
-----Original Message-----
From: Andersen, Verner Engell VEA [mailto:verner.andersen at radiometer.dk]

Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 4:31 AM
To: framers at lists.frameusers.com
Subject: OT: Use of "please" in technical documentation and messages on
screen

Hi
Once I learned that you shouln't use the word "please" in technical
documentation - that it was like asking the reader to do you favor.
 
Does this still hold true? Is it OK to have this message displayed on
the screen of our user interface? 
 
"We are updating the result list, please wait"
 
Best regards,
 
Verner
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