TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Switch from WordPerfect to Word? Oh no! From:Peter <pnewman1 -at- home -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Sat, 02 Dec 2000 07:45:19 -0500
Dianne Blake wrote:
>
> Joyce wrote:
>
> Today I received notice that the company intends to standardize EVERYONE on
> Word.
>
<snip> If I were you I would take a document that requires header and/or
footer
> format changes, or page format changes (e.g. portrait to landscape and
> back). Show the person asking you to make the change how easy it is in WP
> and then show them how difficult it is in Word.
>
> You can also show them how easy it is to move around tables (add, delete
> rows) using keystrokes and then show them how much more difficult it is in
> Word - especially since you have to use the mouse.
>
> There are lots of little things that are different about the two tools.
> This is because WP was developed around the typist and Word was developed
> around the desk top publisher.
>
> Even if you show the person making the decision the difference between the
> two products, you'll probably be overruled. Most companies, even legal
> firms are moving to Word because it has become the standard for most
> companies. Other software is being designed around it and companies can
> share files.
>
> WP has changed hands so many times that it lost its market. Now folks feel
> like it doesn't have a real future. Companies want to be sure that the
> products they buy will go the distance because they will invest a lot of
> time, energy, and training in the tool.
If the IT guys had to write long documents they wouldn't insist on
switching to Word. IT guys don't know WP, so they don't recommend it's
use. Also, there is a culture that exploits the myth that all MS
products work well together.
--
Peter
There are few situations in life that cannot be resolved
promptly, and to the satisfaction of all concerned,
by either suicide, a bag of gold,
or thrusting a despised antagonist over a precipice on a dark night.
Ernest Bramah (Kai Lung stories)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Develop HTML-based Help with Macromedia Dreamweaver! (STC Discount.)
**NEW DATE/LOCATION!** January 16-17, 2001, New York, NY. http://www.weisner.com/training/dreamweaver_help.htm or 800-646-9989.
Take XML and Tech Writing courses online! Our instructor-led courses
(4-6 hrs/wk) give you "hands on" experience at your convenience. STC members
get 20% off! http://www.online-learning.com/index.html.
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
