Word Problems

[Kelly Burhenne <burhennk -at- SMTPGW -dot- LIEBERT -dot- COM>]

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     Hi everyone,

     I'm not trying to start a debate here, but I feel obligated to say
     something about Word. I'm trying to do a document in it, but I'm
     finding that I'm spending much more time working "around" problems
     with the software than I am actually working. Granted, I am a novice
     user, but I have had classes and sufficient time to "play around" with
     it. That also means that I have something to compare it to.

     Two main items: The files are HUGE!!!! Not just big mind you, but
     HUGE! Does anyone know WHY this is? Specifically, I have a 51-page
     chapter (yes, it has graphics). The first time I saved it, it was 23
     Mb (that's not a typo). The next time I saved it, it *amazingly*
     shrunk down to a mere 11 Mb (sarcasm intended). What's going on?

     The second main problem I have with it is that it is virtually
     impossible to set things *exactly* where you want them (including, but
     not limited to, headers and footers).

     And those are just the highlights.

     IMO, when you find yourself having to work around so many problems,
     the software needs to go.

     A debate need not begin. I am writing this for the sole purpose of
     warning tech writers who are deciding what to use. I realize there are
     a few people who actually like the software, but even they must admit
     that there are *many* problems with it.  I will agree that many of the
     concepts are great. Unfortunately, in my experience, most of the
     concepts don't actually work.

     Just my opinion,
     Kelly Burhenne
     burhennk -at- liebert -dot- com
     Columbus, OH