The only unambiguous use of "you" in a claim is when it obviously substitutes for "one", as in "you get what you pay for."

By 4 Oscar J Carlton IV on February 17, 2007

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Discussion (3)

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8 Vynce who agreed, says

actually, i don't consider it unambiguous in your example. I think that example is clearer a "One always..." because the similar but different claim "I always..." is also interesting.

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4 Oscar J Carlton IV who agreed, says

One and I are different. In the case of "one" the voter believes it holds true for (essentially) everyone, within the logical tolerance of the voter. "I" refers to all the voters who agree, including the claimant, who is nobody special except the first voter. References to the claimant only should use her OpenID.

It's probably not the best example, but since it's in common usage, I figure it's understood to mean "one".

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8 Vynce who agreed, says

Yes, "one" and "I" are different; that's my point. "You" for "one" is in common usage outside of Jyte, but since some people are inclined to use "you" for the voter, it is often ambiguous here.

I would prefer that people avoid "you" almost altogether, as anything it can mean is more clearly expresed a different way.

I make exceptions for common quotes and adages, but I can think of none other.

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