I like the don'ts included on a package of gel "window clings," that is, window decorations, I have had on my office window during the holidays. The don'ts below are taken directly from the GelGems window clings package:
- Don't give GelGems to children under 4 — they're a choking hazard.
- Don't expose GelGems to temperatures above 120°F – they'll get gooey.
- Don't stick GelGems on drywall, or other porous surfaces — they will leave oily marks. Test your surface!
- Don't eat GelGems — they're not toxic, but they don't taste good.
- Don't let your GelGems touch each other — they will bleed color onto each other.
The GelGems writer did a fine job of following a few dos about don'ts:
- Do start each don't with the word don't. Without that word, the don'ts will appear to be dos.
- Do use simple language such as "Don't eat GelGems." Complex language will get in the way of the message.
- Do briefly state the reason for the don't. "They're a choking hazard" and "they'll get gooey" are simple yet sufficient.
- Do limit the number of don'ts. Seven to nine don'ts is a good maximum number.
It's time for me to remove my holiday decorations and get back to work. I will be sure to follow the excellent GelGems don'ts–no eating the decorations or letting them touch!
Do enjoy the start of the new year. I wish you a wonderful 2011.
Lynn
Syntax Training