Why Should You Use Plain Language?

Whilst we're on the topic, here is a quote from Yes Minister (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes_minister" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes_minister</a>):<p><i>"The identity of the official whose alleged responsibility for this hypothetical oversight has been the subject of recent discussion is not shrouded in quite such impenetrable obscurity as certain previous disclosures may have led you to assume, but, not to put too fine a point on it, the individual in question is, it may surprise you to learn, one whom your present interlocutor is in the habit of defining by means of the perpendicular pronoun."</i>

I highly recommend this read. Among the examples, you'll see plenty of (sadly) typical, overcomplicated phrases, that can often be replaced with a single word. The article also goes into presentation, such as the use of tables.<p>I hope many people take this to heart, because I've seen a lot of despicable writing over the years. I'd love to see more simple, direct language.

"You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother."<p>– Albert Einstein

I have a dream. It is a dream that one day EULA will be written in a plain language.

All good advice, except:<p>f) Avoid using gender-specific terminology<p>The convoluted language necessary to do this can make things worse. This sounds more like being politically correct than anything else.<p>Also, I personally <i>hate</i> chapter headings stated in the form of questions. Whenever I see that, I know the next section will be full of useless "don't worry" platitudes.

<a href="http://www.bartleby.com/141/" rel="nofollow">http://www.bartleby.com/141/</a>, III especially.