orthography - Capitalization for a bullet list


The following is from some software documentation we are writing:



NOTE: Refreshing a report may be necessary or helpful when:



  1. you believe the data in the report has changed since it was last executed

  2. you'd like to return the report to its initial state/condition



My question is this. Should 'you' in the first bullet item and 'you'd' in the second bullet item be capitalized?



Answer



It is a matter of style. Here are two options:




NOTE: Refreshing a report may be necessary or helpful when:



  1. You believe the data in the report has changed since it was last executed

  2. You'd like to return the report to its initial state/condition


NOTE: Refreshing a report may be necessary or helpful when:



  1. you believe the data in the report has changed since it was last executed;

  2. you'd like to return the report to its initial state/condition.




Create whatever rules you want for your software documentation and stick to them. As with all stylistic matters, consistency is key.


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