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> "You need to enter a number in this field, not text" = Good

No. Never tell me what I "need to" do.

There are any number of ways to get this message across without telling me what I need to do.

One example off the top of my head, probably not the best, but certainly an improvement because it doesn't blame me:

> This field only accepts numbers

For bonus points, put that message next to the field modelessly at the moment I type a non-numeric character.



For even more bonus points, avoid talking about large grassy areas.

Many users will have no clue what a field is.


> Never tell me what I "need to" do.

Do you imply ill intent upon the program? Because I read this as a violation of tone.

I interact with the program because I want/need to. It's in my interest to follow through the *instructions* to interact with it correctly and efficiently. I can follow instructions and view it as a helpful hint.

How about entering, say, a printer configuration. These fields accept only SSIDs, IP addresses etc?




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