Re: Word _Please Help

Subject: Re: Word _Please Help
From: Stan Schwartz <stanz -at- cam -dot- org>
To: "TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com>
Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2002 08:52:27 -0500

Doc Writer wrote:

I know that this subject is tiresome, but I really need some advice before I go crazy!

We've all been there.

I just started a new job as the Documentation Manager. During my negotiation period, I expressed my concern about their DTP tools (namely, the only tool that they use is Word). No flames please.

The manager said, "No problem; we're gadget lovers, and we'll get you anything that you need."

If, after 180 days, you don't have what you need; you'll never see it. (My law of corporate cooperation)

On Tuesday and Wednesday, I spent all hours of the night hashing through the ins and outs of adding hyperlinks, TOCs and just plain numbering the darn document correctly. I was truely in tears.

Can someone please tell me why you like using Word? Or, why companies still use this tool for documentation? Is it only because Frame is expensive? Is it because everyone has Word, so it's more compatible to send electronically? I've suggested that they send pdfs to customers, etc., but they want to be able to change items as needed. <scream!>

I am using a self-hacked version #5.1 which serves admirably as a word processor. I have used the same copy since 1993. I have discarded more recent upgrades (all legal, BTW) as they are kludges, IMHO. I also have Nisus 6 (it'll do anything) but I prefer the elderly word processor since I know it backwards and forwards. Also, Bill & Bill don't need any more of my money. For more demanding stuff, I have and use real page layout programs and PDF for distribution. I'm talking about XPress, Frame, Acrobat, etc.

I can't figure it out. I'm sure that I'll stick it out and learn all that I need to produce a reasonable document. I'll remain flexible and learn as much as I can about my subject (cool stuff to write about and the only reason that I didn't start looking again).

That might prove to be insufficient reason.

Thanks for listening to me rant and sorry to sound so spoiled. It's hard to work with high-end tools then go back to scrambling through the menu items to insert the correct page number!

Plus, it's been a heck of a few weeks with no sign of "we'll get you anything that you want..." in sight!

Plan your escape. Best,
s

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References:
Word _Please Help: From: Doc Writer

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