When in doubt about description length, what principle should one follow?

The principle that guidelines for description length typically emphasize is that too many details can be overwhelming and lead to confusion for the audience, whereas providing too few details may leave the reader without essential understanding. In technical communication, it's important to strike a balance that effectively conveys necessary information without drowning the reader in superfluous content.

Choosing a middle ground ensures clarity and conciseness; thus, a focus on relevant details that serve the purpose of the communication is key. While it's beneficial to include ample information to make a concept clear, it's vital to determine what is genuinely necessary for the audience to grasp the main points without extraneous overload. This approach makes the content more engaging, easier to follow, and ultimately more effective in achieving its communicative purpose.