[codingdave]

This feedback presumes that all writing is intended for a specific, professional audience. Good writing is not limited to a single audience, and good writers will consider their audience when making choices. If a writer goes against the 'rules' you've just shared without much thought into whether or not they apply to their current goals... there is a problem. But there is likewise a problem in blindly following rules.

The rules change based on what you are writing, why, and to whom.

[swiley]

Personally, the main motivation I have is to improve my writing for documentation that's intended to be read by coworkers (a specific, professional audience.) I wouldn't be surprised if most people on HN feel the same way.

[DrBazza]

Agreed. If I'm writing an English novel, I wouldn't be writing it in simple and terse sentences.